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In this episode of "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," host Melissa Berry opens up an important conversation about dating, intimacy, and meaningful connection after a breast cancer diagnosis. She is joined by Dani Trops, breast cancer advocate, a young survivor and content creator known for her honesty, humor, and empowering approach to sharing life after cancer, and her husband, Aaron Myers-Walls, who offers the perspective of a partner navigating love, connection, and intimacy through survivorship. Together, Dani and Aaron talk about why honesty, communication, and trying new ways to connect are key to maintaining intimacy as a relationship evolves. They share real experiences and practical insights to show that after breast cancer, dating and building trust, confidence, and meaningful connection is absolutely possible — answering the question, "Am I even dateable after breast cancer?" Special thanks to Lilly and Merck for making this episode possible.
Bonus Episode for Nov. 4. The weight-loss-drug arms race is only heating up, as Novo Nordisk attempts to snatch drugmaker Metsera away from Pfizer. But can either company compete with Zepbound seller Eli Lilly? WSJ reporter Peter Loftus discusses what earnings from Big Pharma, including AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck, say about the future of the industry and how companies are responding to President Trump's drug-pricing plans, including TrumpRx. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist David Wainer hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies' earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what's going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Further Reading: Novo Nordisk Sweetens Offer for Metsera - WSJ Pfizer Sues Seeking to Block Novo Nordisk's Effort to Undo Weight-Loss Drug Deal Why Pfizer Can Still Prevail in the Obesity Fight With Novo Nordisk The Day Pharma's Weight-Loss Gold Rush Intensified Pfizer Profit Falls Amid Lower Covid-19 Drug Demand Novo Nordisk Seeks to Outmuscle Pfizer With $9 Billion Bid for Metsera Novo Nordisk to Shake Up Board After Obesity-Market Challenges Mounjaro Powers Eli Lilly to Bumper Quarter of Earnings AbbVie Lifts Profit Outlook as Sales Rise Bristol Myers Squibb Profit Soars, Raises Revenue Guidance Merck Profit Rises on Strong Keytruda Demand GSK Lifts Guidance After Specialty Medicines Boost Sales Novartis Expects to Ride Out Patent Losses With Sales, Profit Growth Ahead Biogen Cuts Full-Year Earnings Guidance, Despite Third-Quarter Profit Rise J&J Lifts Full-Year Sales Outlook, Fueled by Pharma, Med-Device Gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A mixed start to November for US equity markets ahead of another busy week of quarterly earnings releases - Dow fell -226-points or -0.48%, with Merck & Co Inc (down -4.06%) the worst performer in the 30-stock index. 3M Co (down -2.59%), UnitedHealth Group Inc (-2.27%) and Chevron Corp (-2.33%) all declined over >2%. Microsoft Corp (down -0.15%) announced it has secured export licenses to ship Nvidia Corp (+2.23%) chips to the United Arab Emirates amid Gulf's ambitions to become an AI leader. Amazon.com Inc rallied +4.03% to be the leading Dow component overnight, hitting a fresh record high (US$258.60) after signing a multi-year US$38B deal to supply cloud computing services to OpenAI, affording the ChatGPT maker access to Nvidia's graphics processors. Amazon soared +9.58% in the previous session after releasing stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings after the close last Thursday's (30 October), underpinned by a sharp acceleration in cloud revenue.
In this episode, we talk with Celeste Warren, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader about her unconventional path from journalism to HR leadership and her impact as Merck's Chief Diversity Officer. She shares candid insights on challenges faced, lessons learned from allies, and why equity is essential for thriving organizations. We also explore her new book, The Truth About Equity, her thoughts on the future of DEI, and her vision for workplaces where inclusivity and equity drive collective success.Celeste R. Warren is the author of “The Truth About Equity” and a Global HR and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader with nearly 40 years of experience in major global corporations. Throughout her career, she has championed DEI, elevating the importance of understanding diverse cultures, perspectives, and beliefs within corporate strategies. Her visionary approach reshaped Merck's culture and influenced the broader business landscape, empowering organizations worldwide to embrace inclusivity as a cornerstone of success.Links from the episode: Celeste's Website: https://crwdiversity.com/Celeste's book The Truth About EquityCeleste's LinkedIn profileThanks for listening!Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.comIf you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today's focus is on a series of significant advancements that are poised to reshape the landscape of drug development, regulatory standards, and patient care.Eli Lilly has made remarkable strides with its dual-action obesity medications, Zepbound and Mounjaro. Despite being removed from the CVS formulary, these drugs have achieved exceptional sales figures, reaching $10 billion in a single quarter. This success can be attributed to Lilly's innovative direct-to-consumer sales strategy, which exemplifies how modern marketing approaches can overcome traditional market barriers. Additionally, Eli Lilly's partnership with Walmart to expand access to Zepbound through retail pharmacy pickups exemplifies a strategic approach to enhancing patient access to crucial medications. By leveraging Walmart's extensive retail network, this collaboration facilitates easier access to obesity treatments—a significant public health challenge—enhancing both patient convenience and broadening market reach for Lilly's products. These achievements not only highlight the potential of strategic marketing but also underscore a growing demand for effective obesity treatments within the pharmaceutical industry.In another exciting development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has reported impressive sales figures for Amvuttra, a treatment for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Surpassing analysts' expectations, this success signals a growing market for treatments targeting rare diseases and emphasizes the importance of strategic market expansion to reach underserved patient populations.Meanwhile, Bristol Myers Squibb's anticipated schizophrenia treatment, Cobenfy, has experienced a lukewarm market entry. While meeting initial expectations in its first year, it has yet to create the breakthrough impact investors anticipated. This situation highlights the challenges even well-hyped pharmaceuticals face upon launch and underscores the need for continuous strategic planning to ensure market penetration and sustained growth.A surprising development in mergers and acquisitions comes from Novo Nordisk's $6.5 billion counteroffer to acquire Metsera, an obesity biotech initially targeted by Pfizer. This aggressive move reflects intense competition in the obesity drug market and illustrates the high stakes involved in acquiring promising biotech assets that could potentially transform treatment paradigms for chronic conditions like obesity.The vaccine industry is navigating its own set of challenges with declining sales across the board. However, Merck's adult pneumococcal vaccine Capvaxive has shown promising initial sales figures. As the first pneumococcal vaccine specifically designed for adults, Capvaxive indicates a potential niche market that Merck could successfully capture.On the regulatory front, significant measures are being taken by the FDA to boost biosimilar availability against drug pricing pressures. New draft guidance aims to eliminate clinical testing requirements for biosimilars and categorize all approved biosimilars as "interchangeable." This initiative could significantly reduce biologic medicine costs post-patent expiration and increase competition in the market, potentially making essential medications more accessible to patients. Additionally, the FDA is proposing streamlined biosimilar approval pathways aimed at reducing overall bio-drug costs—a welcome move reflecting concerted efforts to make essential medications more affordable and accessible globally.Argenx has reported positive trial results for Vyvgart in treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), highlighting its commitment to addressing unmet needs within this patient population. These findings could expand treatment options for gMG patients who have been previously overlooked in thSupport the show
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:21:00 +0000 https://jungeanleger.podigee.io/2715-wiener-borse-party-1024-starke-bankaktien-treiben-den-atx-am-weltspartag-ab-sofort-taglich-ein-funfact-in-der-party-philoro-zum-auftakt 75a9d9bd609b3d9bfad2c0a818340846 Die Wiener Börse Party ist ein Podcastprojekt für Audio-CD.at von Christian Drastil Comm.. Unter dem Motto „Market & Me“ berichtet Christian Drastil über das Tagesgeschehen an der Wiener Börse. Inhalte der Folge #1024: - Erste Group und Bawag treiben den ATX am Weltspartag - Zahlen von Erste Group - Aktienkäufe bei Kontron, Bawag - Research zu AMAG, Verbund - ab sofort in jeder #wienerboerseparty ein #funfact. Start mit philoro und goldstattgurke@philoro.com - DAX leicht schwächer, Merck gesucht - mehr dazu im Podcast Links: - Börsepeople heute: Sebastian Korbei unter http://www.audio-cd.at/people - Neu: http://www.audio-cd.at/private-investor-relations - kapitalmarkt-stimme.at daily voice Playlist auf spotify: http://www.kapitalmarkt-stimme.at/spotify - Stockpicking Österreich: https://www.wikifolio.com/de/at/w/wfdrastil1? - beim Aktientag 2026 präsentieren (20 Slots, 11 frei): Strabag, Porr, Palfinger, Frequentis, FACC, VIG, Polytec, Semperit, UBM. ATX aktuell: https://www.wienerborse.at/indizes/aktuelle-indexwerte/preise-mitglieder/??ISIN=AT0000999982&ID_NOTATION=92866&cHash=49b7ab71e783b5ef2864ad3c8a5cdbc1 Die täglichen Folgen der Wiener Börse Party (Co-verantwortlich Script: Christine Petzwinkler) im Q4/2025 sind präsentiert von der Börse Frankfurt / Xetra https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/xetraplus . Infos zum Jingle: https://audio-cd.at/page/podcast/7326 Risikohinweis: Die hier veröffentlichten Gedanken sind weder als Empfehlung noch als ein Angebot oder eine Aufforderung zum An- oder Verkauf von Finanzinstrumenten zu verstehen und sollen auch nicht so verstanden werden. Sie stellen lediglich die persönliche Meinung der Podcastmacher dar. Der Handel mit Finanzprodukten unterliegt einem Risiko. Sie können Ihr eingesetztes Kapital verlieren. Und: Bewertungen bei Apple (oder auch Spotify) machen mir Freude: http://www.audio-cd.at/spotify http://www.audio-cd.at/apple Du möchtest deine Werbung in diesem und vielen anderen Podcasts schalten? Kein Problem!Für deinen Zugang zu zielgerichteter Podcast-Werbung, klicke hier.Audiomarktplatz.de - Geschichten, die bleiben - überall und jederzeit! 2715 full no Christian Drastil Comm. (Agentur für Investor Relations und Podcasts)
Marcella discovered her private pictures circulating online / Tom takes the toll road to work every day / Catriona sleeps like a baby beside her dogs / Thomas says the employees are staring into an abyss / Jonathan woke up to a child's cry
Fed cut by 25bps as expected, subject to 50bps and U/C dissent, announced it will end the balance sheet drawdown.Chair Powell struck a hawkish tone around December, weighing on stocks, USTs & XAU while the USD benefited.Trump said the meeting with Xi was amazing & lots of decisions were made, he rated the meeting a 12/10.BoJ held rates, Takata & Tamura dissented, favouring a hike; support seen in JGBs afterwards as the statement avoided any overtly hawkish signal.European futures point to a positive cash open, US futures are gradually rebounding following Powell and the first Mag 7 numbers; GOOGL +7% after-hours, MSFT -3%, META -6%Crude benchmarks faded some of the gains seen after the EIA report, XAU hit by Powell but off lows, base metals followed the risk tone.Looking ahead, highlights include Spanish Flash HICP (Oct), German Unemployment (Sep), Flash GDP (Q3), Prelim. CPI (Oct), EZ Final Consumer Confidence (Oct), Japanese Tokyo CPI (Oct) & Unemployment Rate (Sep), (Suspended Releases: US GDP & PCE (Q3), Weekly Claims), Events: ECB Policy Announcement, Comments from BoJ Governor Ueda, ECB President Lagarde, Fed's Logan & Bowman, Supply from Italy.Earnings from Amazon, Apple, Coinbase, Reddit, MicroStrategy, Cloudflare, Riot Platforms, Eli Lilly, Merck, Comcast, Roblox, Mastercard, Standard Chartered, Shell, Kion, Lufthansa, Volkswagen, Puma & ING.Click for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're exploring a series of significant developments that underscore the rapid evolution within these industries.Starting with one of the major players, Merck, which has been strategically adjusting its focus in light of Keytruda's looming loss of exclusivity. The company has demonstrated remarkable progress with Welireg in kidney cancer trials, successfully pairing it with Keytruda. This combination therapy is a beacon of hope for Merck as it faces the challenges of patent expiration, highlighting the growing trend toward leveraging combination treatments to enhance efficacy in cancer therapies. This approach not only pushes the boundaries of cancer treatment but also paves the way for future therapeutic innovations. In contrast, Merck and Eisai have decided to cease their pursuit of a Keytruda-Lenvima pairing for a specific liver cancer subtype after failing to achieve overall survival benefits, despite earlier progress-free survival gains. Such developments highlight the inherent uncertainties in oncology drug development, where initial promising results may not always lead to long-term survival advantages.Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is making headlines with its substantial $1.2 billion investment to upgrade its Puerto Rico manufacturing facility. This move is aligned with their strategy to amplify production capabilities for oral drugs, particularly focusing on their promising GLP-1 pill, Orforglipron. The investment signifies a robust commitment to addressing diabetes and potentially other metabolic disorders through an expanded and more efficient production pipeline. Additionally, Eli Lilly's collaboration with NVIDIA aims at constructing an unprecedented supercomputer tailored for pharmaceutical research. This initiative leverages advanced computational power to accelerate drug discovery processes and enhance data analysis capabilities—a testament to how AI and machine learning are streamlining research workflows for developing more effective therapeutics.On the regulatory stage, Akebia Therapeutics has opted to cancel a trial for its anemia drug Vafseo after discussions with the FDA. This decision sheds light on the intricate challenges companies encounter while navigating regulatory landscapes and optimizing clinical trial strategies to ensure market success.In legal news, Kenvue is preparing for a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding alleged deceptive marketing practices about Tylenol's safety during pregnancy and its purported link to autism risk. This case emphasizes the necessity for pharmaceutical companies to uphold rigorous scientific evidence supporting their marketing claims while navigating potential legal challenges.Strategically, WuXi AppTec's decision to divest its China-based clinical research units marks a broader industry trend of streamlining operations to concentrate on core competencies. By focusing resources on its Contract Research Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) platform, WuXi aims to leverage growth opportunities in this burgeoning sector.In a notable technological partnership, Johnson & Johnson's medical technology division and Verily have entered agreements with NVIDIA, highlighting the increasing intersection of artificial intelligence with life sciences. These collaborations are poised to advance AI applications within healthcare, potentially transforming areas such as data analysis, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.The industry is also feeling the impact of governmental actions, as evidenced by a federal government shutdown starting October 1st that has led to indefinite blocks on federal worker firings. Such political developments can significantly affect healthcare funding and policymaking processes.These stories collectively paint a piSupport the show
Avalancha de resultados en el mercado estadounidense, con vistazo a Merck, Eli Lilly, FMC Corporation, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft y Alphabet. Con Celso Otero, gestor de fondos de Renta 4.
Live from Berlin, Germany, Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani and Dr. Christopher Wallis review ESMO 2025's bladder cancer headlines, from the evolving role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to ctDNA-guided adjuvant therapy and antibody-drug conjugates redefining metastatic management.The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practising clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.caThis podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Novartis, Bayer, Astellas, Tolmar, Ipsen, J&J, Merck, Pfizer, Eisai and AbbVie.
Wrapping up our live ESMO 2025 coverage from Berlin, Germany, Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani and Dr. Christopher Wallis review pivotal kidney cancer data, including RAMPART's results, emerging first-line combinations from KEYMAKER-U03 and more, offering a forward-looking view of where RCC research is heading next.The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practising clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.caThis podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Novartis, Bayer, Astellas, Tolmar, Ipsen, J&J, Merck, Pfizer, Eisai and AbbVie.
Live from Berlin, Germany, Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani and Dr. Christopher Wallis review the major ESMO 2025 prostate cancer studies, including ENZARAD, EMBARK, CAPItello-291, PSMAddition, and PR21. Together, they unpack their clinical impact and how evolving biomarkers, imaging, and treatment sequencing are redefining standards of care.The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practising clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.caThis podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Novartis, Bayer, Astellas, Tolmar, Ipsen, J&J, Merck, Pfizer, Eisai and AbbVie.
In this episode, I explore the critical shift from AI adoption to AI orchestration — and why Communication Leaders are uniquely positioned to lead it. Drawing on real-world examples and strategic frameworks, we examine how to move beyond tool rollout and into the territory of sustained performance improvement.This episode builds on insights from my latest booklet, "From AI Adoption to AI Impact" — a guide for senior leaders navigating the complexity of the "second-order challenge"What you'll gain:How to reframe AI success from usage metrics to business outcomesThe leadership behaviors that accelerate orchestration over adoptionA practical lens for measuring transformation ROI in Communication functionsAt FocusFirst, we help senior leaders in Group Functions translate strategy into measurable transformation — faster, clearer, and with lasting impact.To download the full booklet or learn more, visit focusfirst.com or send a message to podcast@focusfirst.com with "Playbook." About the Host:René Esteban is Founder and CEO of FocusFirst. As a former senior leader in a Fortune 500, he found that too many transformation projects take too long, waste money, and annoy key stakeholders – and that there must be a way to accelerate business transformations sustainably. Today, this belief unites an international FocusFirst team consisting of former top executives and subject matter experts. He is an international keynote speaker, author and senior advisor for top executives to achieve challenging goals and accelerate complex transformations.About FocusFirst:FocusFirst is a boutique consulting firm for transformation & strategic change projects. Group Functions Leaders work with FocusFirst to develop organisations, structure & accelerate transformations. FocusFirst works with leading Fortune 500 companies such as Merck, Novartis, E.ON, BASF, as well as established mid-sized companies.We are the specialised firm in the industry that combines former top executives and an award-winning method to accelerate transformations. This unique "double helix" of capabilities equips us to help our customers deliver results faster against demanding business goals. More information: www.focusfirst.com
In this episode of the Glowing Older podcast, host Nancy Griffin interviews Dr. Kenneth Pelletier, a clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at UCSF, about the science of longevity and the role of epigenetics. Dr. Pelletier shares insights into the importance of healthspan over lifespan, and the impact of diet, stress, exercise, and social support on longevity. He also discusses the potential and limitations of biohacking and the growing field of integrative medicine. About Dr. Pelletier Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine; Department of Family and Community Medicine; and Department of Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine (UCSF) in San Francisco; and a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine and Department Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine in Tucson. At the present time, Dr. Pelletier is a medical and business consultant to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Business Group on Health, the Federation of State Medical Boards, the Wild Dolphin Project, and major corporations including Cisco, IBM, American Airlines, Prudential, Dow, Disney, Ford, Mercer, Merck, Pepsico, Ford, Pfizer, Walgreens, NASA, Microsoft ENCARTA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Health Net, the Pasteur Institute of Lille, France, the Alpha Group of Mexico, and the Singapore Ministry of Health. He also serves on the boards of the Rancho la Puerta (Mexico), Nova Institute, Fries Foundation, American Institute of Stress (AIS), American Journal of Health Promotion (AJHP), as a Founding Board Member of the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM), and as a peer reviewer for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM), Annals of Internal Medicine, Health Affairs, and webMD. Dr. Pelletier is listed in Who's Who in America and in Who's Who in the World. He has been featured on ABC World News, the Today program, Good Morning America, Dr Oz, the CBS Evening News, 48 Hours, the McNeil-Lehrer Newshour, CNN, FOX News, and CBS Sunday Morning.Dr. Pelletier is the author of 15 major books including the international bestseller Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer; Holistic Medicine: From Stress to Optimum Health; Longevity: Fulfilling Our Biological Potential; Healthy People in Unhealthy Places; Stress and Fitness at Work; Sound Mind – Sound Body: A New Model for Lifelong Health; The Best Alternative Medicine: What Works? What Does Not?; Stress Free for Good: Ten Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness; New Medicine: How to Integrate Conventional and Alternative Medicine for the Safest and Most Effective Treatment and Change Your Genes – Change Your Life: Creating Optimal Health with the New Science ofEpigenetics.Key TakeawaysEpigenetics is a relatively new science, developed in the last 15 years. Epigenetics are all of the influences that determine our health, wellbeing, and life expectancy after the sperm and ovum unite. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in determining health and life expectancy – 95 % of health, illness, and life expectancy are due to factors other than our genes. The role of diet, stress, physical activity and social support significantly influence genetic expression.There are no longitudinal studies for biohacking. Don'tgo into the periphery and engage in questionable practices. Sort hope from hype.Equal criteria for evaluating the outcomes of alternative and conventional medicine must be applied; both should be held to the same rigorous scientific standards to ensure their acceptability and effectiveness.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into several significant shifts in the industry, marked by scientific advancements, regulatory changes, and strategic corporate maneuvers.Starting with a major acquisition, Novartis has strategically purchased Avidity Biosciences, a San Diego-based biotech company specializing in muscular dystrophy treatments, for a striking $12 billion. This substantial investment underscores Novartis's dedication to expanding its neuroscience portfolio. Avidity's innovative RNA-based therapies show great promise for treating neuromuscular diseases, highlighting a broader industry trend where large pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in late-stage biotech firms to bolster their pipelines with cutting-edge technologies. Such moves are pivotal as they align with the growing emphasis on precision medicine and the development of novel therapeutic options for conditions with limited existing treatments.In other acquisition news, Eli Lilly has expanded its gene therapy portfolio through acquiring Adverum Biotechnologies for up to $262 million. This acquisition is expected to bolster Eli Lilly's position in the gene therapy space, particularly in ophthalmology. Gene therapy offers transformative potential by directly addressing underlying genetic causes of diseases, with Adverum's focus on ophthalmic conditions potentially offering innovative solutions for unmet medical needs in eye-related disorders. The acquisitions by Novartis and Eli Lilly reflect broader trends within the pharmaceutical industry where companies actively seek to diversify their pipelines through mergers and acquisitions. These transactions emphasize strategic incorporation of advanced biotechnologies such as RNA therapeutics and gene therapy into development portfolios aiming to deliver breakthroughs in patient care.On the regulatory front, Bayer has achieved a milestone with the U.S. FDA approval of Lynkuet (elinzanetant), a nonhormonal medication designed to manage menopause symptoms. This approval represents a significant step forward in providing alternative treatment options to a traditionally hormone-reliant segment, emphasizing the industry's shift towards diversifying therapeutic solutions and addressing unmet medical needs. This move highlights continuous efforts to address women's health issues through new pharmacological interventions.Meanwhile, Merck's Winrevair has received an updated FDA label following successful results from the Phase 3 Zenith trial. This label expansion is anticipated to enhance its market position, potentially propelling Winrevair to blockbuster status. These developments highlight the critical role of rigorous clinical trials in validating drug efficacy and safety, which ultimately influence regulatory decisions and market dynamics.BridgeBio has also made headlines with its successful Phase 3 trial for a rare disease candidate. By demonstrating significant improvements in clinical outcomes and biomarkers, BridgeBio is poised to file for FDA approval. This reflects an increasing focus on precision medicine within the industry, particularly in addressing rare and genetic disorders.In diabetes management news, Innovent and Eli Lilly's mazdutide has outperformed Novo Nordisk's semaglutide in a head-to-head study focused on glucose regulation and weight loss. As a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, mazdutide offers broader therapeutic effects, showcasing the competitive landscape in metabolic disorders where novel mechanisms are vying for superiority.Regulatory activities remain pivotal, as demonstrated by Syndax receiving a second indication for its leukemia drug Revuforj. Such expansions underscore the importance of ongoing clinical research and regulatory engagement in maximizing a drug's therapeutic reach.NSupport the show
Mark Murphy shares insights from his research on maximizing team effectiveness.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) Why you don't want a team of all “team players”2) The simple trick for more decisive teams 3) How to get your team to generate 3X more valuable ideas Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1105 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT MARK — Mark Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author, Senior Contributor to Forbes, andFounder of Leadership IQ, a research and training firm. His latest book is TEAM PLAYERS: The Five Critical Roles You Need to Build A Winning Team. Mark's previous bestselling books include: Hiring for Attitude, Hundred Percenters, HARD Goals, Managing Narcissists, Blamers, Dramatics and more. Mark leads one of the world's largest databases of original leadership research, and his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fortune, Forbes, Bloomberg, BusinessWeek, Harvard Business Review, and U.S. News & World Report. He's been a featured guest on programs including CBS News Sunday Morning, ABC's 20/20, Fox Business News, CNN International and NPR.Some of his most well-known research studies include “Why New Hires Fail,” “Are SMART Goals Dumb?,” “Why CEO's Get Fired,” “High Performers Can Be Less Engaged,” and “Don't Expect Layoff Survivors to Be Grateful.” Mark has conducted training for The United Nations, Harvard Business School, Microsoft, IBM, MasterCard, Merck, and thousands more.• Book: Team Players: The Five Critical Roles You Need to Build a Winning Team• Quiz: “Team Player Quiz: What Type Of Team Player Are You?"• Website: LeadershipIQ.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “Studies in the Principles of Judgments and Attitudes: II. Determination of Judgments by Group and by Ego Standards” by S.E. Asch• Book: Escape from Freedom by Erich Fromm• Past episode: 256: Science-based Solutions for Delivering Tough Truth at Work with Mark Murphy— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Strawberry.me. Claim your $50 credit and build momentum in your career with Strawberry.me/Awesome• Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO• Quince. Get free shipping and 365-day returns on your order with Quince.com/Awesome• Cashflow Podcasting. Explore launching (or outsourcing) your podcast with a free 10-minute call with Pete.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Audio roundup of selected biopharma industry content from Scrip over the business week ended October 24, 2025. In this episode we focus on the most significant results presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology meeting in Berlin: Enhertu in early-stage breast cancer; Padcev/Keytruda in bladder cancer; Phase III wins for Pluvicto; Trodelvy and Datroway in breast cancer tussle; and Merck & Co. raises hopes in breast cancer. . Story links: https://insights.citeline.com/scrip/podcasts/scrips-five-must-know-things/quick-listen-scrips-five-must-know-things-EWX3A6U4TBE5NPDYXHIJSWDO3A/ This episode was produced with the help of AI text-to-voice and voice emulation tools. Playlist: soundcloud.com/citelinesounds/sets/scrips-five-must-know-things
How do you really make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, not just as a policy, but as something that's lived and felt in an organisation?In this episode, I sit down with Celeste Warren, a globally recognised HR and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) leader with nearly 40 years of experience at some of the world's largest corporations.Celeste shares her inspiring career journey, from her early days as a journalist, to becoming a global HR executive, to specialising in DEI leadership. She reflects on the powerful influence of her father and how his experiences shaped her own perspective on resilience and inclusion.
Neste episódio do Agro Resenha Podcast, conversamos com Simone Rodrigues, publicitária e diretora executiva da Agência Make ID. Com raízes profundas no agro, nascida e criada na fazenda, compartilha como sua vivência desde cedo foi crucial para entender e atuar estrategicamente com grandes marcas do agro. Ela aborda a essência do relacionamento e da confiança no setor, a evolução da publicidade multicanal, e o crescente impacto da inteligência artificial e análise de dados para mensurar o ROI de campanhas. Descubra as tendências que moldarão a comunicação para o produtor rural nos próximos anos e a importância de uma estratégia que vá além da sacada, gerando verdadeiro engajamento. Uma conversa imperdível sobre paixão, credibilidade e o futuro do marketing no campo. PARCEIROS DESTE EPISÓDIO Este episódio foi trazido até você pela SCADIAgro! A SCADIAgro trabalha diariamente com o compromisso de garantir aos produtores rurais as informações que tornem a gestão econômica e fiscal de suas propriedades mais sustentável e eficiente. Com mais de 30 anos no mercado, a empresa desenvolve soluções de gestão para produtores rurais espalhados pelo Brasil através de seu software. SCADIAgro: Simplificando a Gestão para o Produtor Rural Site: https://scadiagro.com.br/Podcast Gestão Rural: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cSnKbi7Ad3bcZV9nExfMi?si=766354cb313f4785Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scadiagro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scadiagroYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxErIaU0zBkCAmFqkMohcQ Este episódio também foi trazido até você pela Nutripura Nutrição e Pastagem! A Nutripura, que tem como base valores como honestidade, qualidade e inovação nos produtos e excelência no atendimento, atua há mais de 20 anos no segmento pecuário, oferecendo os melhores produtos e serviços aos pecuaristas. Fique ligado nos artigos que saem no Blog Canivete e no podcast CaniveteCast! Com certeza é o melhor conteúdo sobre pecuária que você irá encontrar na internet. Nutripura: O produto certo, na hora certa. Site: http://www.nutripura.com.brBlog Canivete: https://www.nutripura.com.br/pub/blog-canivete/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutripura/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nutripura/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutripura/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TvNutripura INTERAJA COM O AGRO RESENHAInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/agroresenhaTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/agroresenhaFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/agroresenhaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agroresenhaCanal do Telegram: https://t.me/agroresenhaCanal do WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/arp-zap-01 ACOMPANHE A REDE RURAL DE PODCASTSSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65JghRGLPnPT4vhSNOkjh7?si=7995dc4d17fa489bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/rede-rural-de-podcasts/id1467853035 E-MAILSe você tem alguma sugestão de pauta, reclamação ou dúvida envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br QUERO PATROCINARSe você deseja posicionar sua marca junto ao Agro Resenha Podcast, envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br FICHA TÉCNICAApresentação: Paulo OzakiProdução: Agro ResenhaConvidado: Simone RodriguesEdição: Senhor A - https://editorsenhor-a.com.brSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Neste episódio do Agro Resenha Podcast, conversamos com Simone Rodrigues, publicitária e diretora executiva da Agência Make ID. Com raízes profundas no agro, nascida e criada na fazenda, compartilha como sua vivência desde cedo foi crucial para entender e atuar estrategicamente com grandes marcas do agro. Ela aborda a essência do relacionamento e da confiança no setor, a evolução da publicidade multicanal, e o crescente impacto da inteligência artificial e análise de dados para mensurar o ROI de campanhas. Descubra as tendências que moldarão a comunicação para o produtor rural nos próximos anos e a importância de uma estratégia que vá além da sacada, gerando verdadeiro engajamento. Uma conversa imperdível sobre paixão, credibilidade e o futuro do marketing no campo. PARCEIROS DESTE EPISÓDIO Este episódio foi trazido até você pela SCADIAgro! A SCADIAgro trabalha diariamente com o compromisso de garantir aos produtores rurais as informações que tornem a gestão econômica e fiscal de suas propriedades mais sustentável e eficiente. Com mais de 30 anos no mercado, a empresa desenvolve soluções de gestão para produtores rurais espalhados pelo Brasil através de seu software. SCADIAgro: Simplificando a Gestão para o Produtor Rural Site: https://scadiagro.com.br/Podcast Gestão Rural: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cSnKbi7Ad3bcZV9nExfMi?si=766354cb313f4785Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scadiagro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scadiagroYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxErIaU0zBkCAmFqkMohcQ Este episódio também foi trazido até você pela Nutripura Nutrição e Pastagem! A Nutripura, que tem como base valores como honestidade, qualidade e inovação nos produtos e excelência no atendimento, atua há mais de 20 anos no segmento pecuário, oferecendo os melhores produtos e serviços aos pecuaristas. Fique ligado nos artigos que saem no Blog Canivete e no podcast CaniveteCast! Com certeza é o melhor conteúdo sobre pecuária que você irá encontrar na internet. Nutripura: O produto certo, na hora certa. Site: http://www.nutripura.com.brBlog Canivete: https://www.nutripura.com.br/pub/blog-canivete/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutripura/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nutripura/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutripura/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TvNutripura INTERAJA COM O AGRO RESENHAInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/agroresenhaTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/agroresenhaFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/agroresenhaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agroresenhaCanal do Telegram: https://t.me/agroresenhaCanal do WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/arp-zap-01 ACOMPANHE A REDE RURAL DE PODCASTSSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65JghRGLPnPT4vhSNOkjh7?si=7995dc4d17fa489bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/rede-rural-de-podcasts/id1467853035 E-MAILSe você tem alguma sugestão de pauta, reclamação ou dúvida envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br QUERO PATROCINARSe você deseja posicionar sua marca junto ao Agro Resenha Podcast, envie um e-mail para contato@agroresenha.com.br FICHA TÉCNICAApresentação: Paulo OzakiProdução: Agro ResenhaConvidado: Simone RodriguesEdição: Senhor A - https://editorsenhor-a.com.brSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This promotional podcast has been initiated and funded by Merck, and a Merck product will be discussed. The intended audience is multiple sclerosis healthcare professionals in the UK only. The comments of the speakers in this podcast reflect their own opinions and are not necessarily those of Merck.
Hacemos balance de la semana en Europa tras una avalancha de resultados empresariales: Sanofi, Merck, Eni, Safran y Holcim. Con Antonio Aspas, socio de Buy & Hold Gestión de Activos.
Your process works perfectly at two-liter bench scale. Then you hit fifty liters and titer drops 20%. By two hundred liters, aggregation appears and charge variants shift. Your management team asks: "How long to fix this?" The honest answer? Three to twelve month, because you're flying blind.In Part 2 of this Quality by Design Master Class, David Brühlmann reveals why scale-up chaos isn't inevitable. It's a solvable engineering problem. Drawing on experience leading bioprocess innovation at Merck and guiding biotech companies through CMC development, David delivers the process control framework that transforms reactive troubleshooting into predictive manufacturing.The core truth: eighty percent of quality problems stem from twenty percent of your process variables. David shows how to identify Critical Process Parameters, implement intelligent control strategies, and leverage hybrid modeling that reduces experiments by 60-80%. With case studies from Genentech and Amgen, you'll gain the blueprint that turns QbD requirements into competitive advantage.Part 1 taught you what to build and measure. Part 2 shows you how to control your process to consistently deliver commercial-scale quality.Topics Discussed:The common pitfalls of scaling up manufacturing from bench to production, and why process control must go beyond end-product testing (02:10)Overview of the QbD framework: Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP), Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), and the focus of this episode - Control Strategies for manufacturing (05:00)Identifying and monitoring Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) and their impact on quality, with real-world examples from Genentech's monoclonal antibody platform (08:20)Structure of an effective manufacturing control strategy: Input, process, and output controls - including practical details on real-time monitoring and release testing (11:00)The role of hybrid modeling and machine learning in accelerating process optimization, and how this approach can dramatically reduce the experimental burden (13:30)Real examples of improved outcomes and efficiency through model-based control strategies, and why training and process understanding are essential for team success (16:10)A quick, actionable exercise biotech teams can use to map process risks and identify critical control points (16:55)Whether you're part of a start-up or a large biotech firm, this episode offers clear, strategic steps for implementing QbD and improving process reliability. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 for more on QTPP and CQA, and visit www.bruehlmann-consulting.com for additional resources.Next step:Book a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/callPreparing for your IND? We're building a CMC Dashboard in Excel to help biotech founders track tasks, timelines, and risks in one place. Join the waitlist for early access at https://scale-your-impact.notion.site/27dd9c6ba679804b80a7ce439d56c91a?pvs=105
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into some of the most significant shifts occurring in these industries, touching on strategic restructuring, regulatory milestones, and groundbreaking scientific advancements that are shaping the future of drug development and patient care.Let's begin with a major corporate shakeup at Novo Nordisk. The company has announced a significant leadership transition as former CEO Lars Rebien Sorensen is set to become the new chairman of the board. This change follows the resignation of seven board members and indicates a strategic realignment within the company. The Novo Foundation's involvement suggests a deeper strategic shift, potentially aligning with new organizational objectives and innovations. Such moves are pivotal as they could influence Novo Nordisk's market position and future product development.Turning to scientific breakthroughs, Merck's collaboration with Kelun-Biotech has yielded promising results with their Trop2 antibody-drug conjugate, sacituzumab-tmt. This ADC has shown success in two Phase 3 trials targeting lung and breast cancers, underscoring the therapeutic potential of ADCs in oncology. By selectively targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, ADCs could significantly improve patient outcomes and represent a powerful modality in cancer treatment.In regulatory affairs, Kenvue is challenging the FDA over proposed safety warnings for Tylenol linked to autism during pregnancy. This dispute highlights the ongoing debates surrounding drug safety and regulatory oversight. The outcome could have significant implications for labeling practices and consumer trust in over-the-counter medications. Meanwhile, Summit Therapeutics plans to file for FDA approval of ivonescimab, highlighting ongoing innovation in drug development pipelines. Similarly, Novo Nordisk's semaglutide pill Rybelsus has received FDA expansion approval to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events. This sets a new benchmark for oral metabolism drugs by demonstrating their potential beyond glycemic control to positively impact cardiovascular health.As we explore industry trends, there's growing interest in direct-to-consumer drug sales. While this approach offers patients access to medications at reduced costs, it raises concerns about privacy and the quality of care without traditional healthcare provider interactions. Additionally, a notable decline in pharmaceutical TV ad spending by 19% in Q3 suggests a shift towards digital engagement strategies. Amidst these narratives, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has launched an awareness campaign to combat misinformation about vaccines. This effort underscores the importance of immunizations in public health and aims to reinforce trust amid rising disinformation.In another scientific advancement, GSK has released positive Phase 3 data for Spero Therapeutics' oral antibiotic candidate. The oral formulation's efficacy comparable to intravenous options could lead to broader use and improved patient adherence—critical advancements as antibiotic resistance remains a global health challenge.Investment activities reflect strategic shifts within the industry as well. Curewell Capital's investment in Wilmington PharmaTech aims to enhance U.S. active pharmaceutical ingredient production capacity—a crucial step given recent global supply chain disruptions. Similarly, India's ACG is making a $200 million investment in its first U.S. empty-capsule production facility, highlighting the strategic importance of manufacturing capabilities on American soil.Galapagos' decision to wind down its cell therapy unit marks a significant strategic pivot from its previous focus on this modality. This shift reflects broader industry trends where companies reassess priorSupport the show
108. Hidden Merck MMR Vaccine Secrets | Steve Krahling |The FedsThis presentation was recorded as a part of the Medical Freedom and the Constitution Summit 2025 at Patrick Henry College on October 11, 2025. We highly recommend watching on our Rumble or Youtube channels as the accompanying slides contain helpful information. What really goes on behind the scenes of vaccine development? In this explosive episode, former Merck virologistSteve Krahling breaks his decades-long silence to reveal the shocking story behind Protocol 007, internal resistance against corporate pharmaceutical fraud, and how critical information about theMMR vaccine has been hidden from the public for over 40 years.Krahling, who worked in Merck's Virus and Cell Biology Department, shares firsthand details of a rebellion inside the company to stop alleged falsification of data — including how potency standards were manipulated and why “informed consent” is impossible without transparency.From secret “overfilling” practices and missing safety studies to disturbing internal emails and failed clinical trials, this conversation dives deep into the science, the ethics, and the hidden decisions that impact public health. Krahling connects how the MMR fraud fallout is related to the current measles outbreaks around the country.
Over 40% of biotherapeutic failures during clinical development stem from stability problems—and most trace back to protein aggregation that could have been prevented. In this episode of the Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast, David Brühlmann exposes the hidden manufacturing crisis that derails promising biologics programs and delivers the systematic Quality by Design framework that elite biotech companies use to build quality into every process step.David brings two decades of bioprocess expertise from his time leading technology innovation at Merck and now guiding emerging biotech companies through CMC development as Managing Director of Brühlmann Consulting. Drawing on FDA and EMA regulatory guidance as well as landmark industry case studies he transforms complex QbD principles into an actionable roadmap for IND submission.This isn't theoretical regulatory compliance. It's competitive survival. Companies implementing these QbD foundations achieve predictable manufacturing scale-up, accelerated regulatory approval, and significant cost advantages. If your team is navigating CMC development for the first time or struggling with scale-up challenges, this episode provides the blueprint to transform process uncertainty into manufacturing confidence.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The high clinical failure rate for biologics due to protein aggregation and stability problems, and one company's costly lesson in the scale-up phase. (00:00)An introduction to Quality by Design (QbD)—how it differs from traditional development and why “the process is the product” in biologics. (03:09)The three foundational pillars of QbD, with today's focus on product understanding and quality requirements. (05:46)Constructing your Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP): what to include and why starting with the patient is key. (07:05)A real-world QTPP example—the AMAP case study—and how it shaped formulation, packaging, and critical quality standards. (09:45)Defining and prioritizing Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs): measuring what truly matters for safety and efficacy. (11:50)Lessons from Roche/Genentech's QbD journey: regulatory insights and the business value of robust CQA identification. (15:55)The “CQA Reality Check” exercise: a step-by-step method to focus your team on attributes that impact patients. (21:05)How early, candid dialogue with regulators and using management tools like the Notion CMC Dashboard can streamline the development roadmap and reassure investors. (23:30)Ready to flip the odds in your favor and make QbD your competitive edge? Stream this episode to catch actionable strategies and real-world cautionary tales that could change your CMC development playbook for good.Next step:Book a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/callPreparing for your IND? We're building a CMC Dashboard in Excel to help biotech founders track tasks, timelines, and risks in one place. Join the waitlist for early access at https://scale-your-impact.notion.site/27dd9c6ba679804b80a7ce439d56c91a?pvs=105
This Day in Legal History: Abrams v. United States ArguedOn October 21, 1919, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Abrams v. United States, a seminal case in the development of First Amendment jurisprudence. The case arose during the post–World War I Red Scare, when the government aggressively prosecuted speech perceived as dangerous or subversive. The defendants were Russian immigrants who distributed leaflets in New York City denouncing U.S. military intervention in the Russian Revolution and calling for a general strike. They were charged and convicted under the Sedition Act of 1918 for allegedly inciting resistance to the war effort.The Supreme Court upheld their convictions in a 7–2 decision, finding that the speech posed a “clear and present danger” to national security. However, it was Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes' dissent, joined by Justice Louis Brandeis, that left the most lasting impression. Holmes argued that only speech intended to produce imminent lawless action should be punished, introducing the enduring metaphor of the “marketplace of ideas” as essential to democratic deliberation.Legally, the case illustrates the government's ability to impose post-speech punishment—penalties after speech has occurred—as opposed to prior restraint, which involves preventing speech before it happens. The distinction is vital in American law: prior restraints are almost always unconstitutional, while post-speech sanctions may be permitted under narrow circumstances. In Abrams, the Court leaned toward deference to governmental wartime authority, but Holmes' dissent marked the beginning of a shift toward greater speech protections.The decision laid the groundwork for the more speech-protective standards adopted in later cases such as Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969). The post-speech punishment principle debated in Abrams remains a cornerstone of First Amendment law, highlighting the tension between state interests and individual liberties in times of political conflict.When two alleged drug traffickers survived a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, the Trump administration immediately repatriated them rather than detain them — a decision that reveals a troubling logic behind the president's new “war” on narco‑terrorism. The administration has declared the campaign a “non‑international armed conflict,” but legal experts note that this classification offers no real authority for military detention. In other words, the United States can kill suspects under this self‑declared war framework, but it has no clear legal footing to hold survivors.Experts said the administration likely chose the least damaging option: send the survivors home and avoid a courtroom. Detaining them at Guantanamo or on U.S. soil would have triggered habeas corpus challenges, forced disclosure of evidence, and risked exposing the strikes as legally indefensible. One former State Department lawyer said any trial would have “undermined the narrative” that the attacks were lawful military operations. By refusing to hold prisoners, the administration sidesteps both judicial scrutiny and transparency.The result is a perverse incentive structure. If survivors are released but detainees are liabilities, the easiest path for officials is to ensure there are no survivors at all. The legal asymmetry—where killing is simpler than capture—encourages tactics that maximize lethality while minimizing accountability. As a result, Trump's “drug war” risks becoming less about law enforcement and more about ensuring that no one lives long enough to challenge the legality of U.S. actions.In Trump's drug war, prisoners may be too much of a legal headache, experts say | ReutersGlobal pharmaceutical companies are rapidly ramping up U.S. manufacturing in response to a looming Trump administration policy that would impose 100% tariffs on imported branded and patented drugs. While enforcement is delayed for companies that commit to domestic investment, the threat has already triggered a wave of fast-tracked spending, direct-to-consumer sales shifts, and pricing concessions in exchange for temporary tariff exemptions.Major players like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Roche have pledged tens of billions of dollars to build or expand plants across the U.S. to shield themselves from future penalties. Some, like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, secured multi-year tariff exemptions by agreeing to pricing deals and participation in the administration's new TrumpRx.gov program. Others, like Novartis and Sanofi, are spreading investments across multiple states and sites, creating thousands of jobs as part of their strategic insulation.The tariff threat is driving a major reshaping of global supply chains and investment strategies, as companies aim to avoid the legal and financial burden of import duties by domesticating both manufacturing and distribution. While some firms say they are already well-positioned with sufficient U.S. inventory, the broader trend reflects a defensive industry-wide shift to preemptively comply with the administration's protectionist push.Global drugmakers rush to boost US presence as tariff threat looms | ReutersTrevor Milton, the disgraced founder of electric-truck startup Nikola, is somehow back as a CEO—this time leading SyberJet Aircraft, a private jet manufacturer, according to reporting by Techdirt. Milton was convicted of fraud for deceiving investors about Nikola's technology, most famously releasing a misleading video of a prototype truck that was actually rolling downhill, not self-propelled. He was sentenced to four years in prison but never served a day, thanks to a pardon from Donald Trump earlier this year—reportedly after donating millions to Trump-aligned causes and hiring the brother of current Attorney General Pam Bondi as his attorney.Now, just months after that pardon, Milton has been tapped to lead development of a new high-speed jet for SyberJet, with promised performance metrics that already sound suspiciously ambitious. The company, privately backed, won't need to answer to public shareholders—but it will still need investor trust to raise money for a jet not slated for delivery until 2032. TechDirt points out how the company's promotional material leans into rewriting Milton's history, calling him “renowned” rather than acknowledging the full scope of his fraudulent past.The piece underscores a broader theme of “failing upward,” highlighting how white-collar offenders, especially white men with political connections, often land on their feet despite serious criminal convictions–and has some interesting implications for the future career of George Santos. Milton's quick rebound from federal fraud conviction to C-suite leadership is less an exception than a reminder of how accountability gaps persist in American corporate culture.Convicted Fraudster Trevor Milton Rides His Trump Pardon To Another CEO Job, Somehow | TechdirtIn my column for Bloomberg this week, I dive in to the governor's race in my home state. The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race has become a tax-policy showdown between Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill—both of whom are framing affordability as their central mission, but doing so with deeply flawed approaches. Ciattarelli is offering aggressive tax cuts and structural overhauls that are, frankly, reckless in a state with a delicate and complicated fiscal ecosystem. His plan to flatten income tax brackets and slash corporate rates isn't just optimistic—it's ahistorical. We've seen this movie before in Kansas, where sweeping tax cuts led to revenue collapse, credit downgrades, and bipartisan regret. Ciattarelli is essentially proposing a rerun, but with no clearer escape plan if it fails.Sherrill, by contrast, is pragmatic to the point of inertia. Her emphasis on municipal service sharing and administrative tweaks is fine as far as it goes—but it doesn't go very far. Her promise to freeze utility rates via emergency powers, for instance, isn't just legally questionable, it also misdiagnoses the issue: state governments don't control wholesale energy prices. It's a symbolic gesture dressed up as policy.Neither candidate seems willing to address the structural drivers of New Jersey's notoriously high property taxes, preferring instead to nibble around the edges or promise caps that could backfire. That's a missed opportunity. As I argue in the column, New Jersey doesn't need sweeping cuts or more bureaucratic tinkering—it needs targeted relief for the people who actually feel the pinch. Expanding the state Earned Income Tax Credit and implementing a robust child tax credit would offer immediate, evidence-backed help to those struggling most with affordability. These aren't radical ideas; they're already working in other states.Ciattarelli's plan is built on trickle-down economics and wishful math. Sherrill's is built on competent management, but lacks ambition. The voters deserve more than either of those options.Tax Platforms in NJ Governor's Race Leave Out the Best Ideas This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Recent developments in these industries underscore a period of significant scientific progress, regulatory maneuvers, and strategic investments.One notable event was AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's success at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2025. Their antibody-drug conjugate, Datroway, demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Gilead's Trodelvy in the first global head-to-head trial involving Trop2-targeted therapies. This reflects the increasing focus on antibody-drug conjugates as precision medicine tools that offer targeted treatment options with potentially improved outcomes over traditional chemotherapy.In a move highlighting the ongoing trend of bolstering domestic production capacities, Merck is making a substantial $3 billion investment in a small molecule drug plant in Virginia. This is part of a broader $70 billion commitment to expand manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the U.S. Such strategic investments are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring drug availability while meeting rising demands and streamlining supply chains.Turning to regulatory updates, the FDA has approved Amgen and AstraZeneca's Tezspire for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. This marks Tezspire's second indication, following its initial approval for severe asthma in 2021. The expanded approval showcases the drug's versatility and represents a strategic push to enhance its market presence against competitors like Dupixent.In oncology, Merck's Keytruda and Astellas/Pfizer's Padcev have made headlines with compelling results in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The combination therapy reduced the risk of death by 50%, reinforcing Keytruda's position as a cornerstone immunotherapy across multiple cancer types. This result not only augments treatment options but also signifies the potential for combination regimens to enhance patient outcomes.Roche has expanded the indication of its aging oncology drug Gazyva to treat lupus nephritis, demonstrating strategic repurposing efforts to extend the lifecycle of existing therapies. While this expansion into autoimmune diseases comes late in Gazyva's lifecycle, it highlights a growing trend of capitalizing on established drugs for new therapeutic areas.AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Enhertu showed robust efficacy in early breast cancer treatment, potentially reshaping therapeutic strategies by offering new hope for early intervention. Similarly, Novartis' Pluvicto demonstrated promise in slowing hormone-sensitive prostate cancer progression, underscoring the potential of radioligand therapies in oncology.However, not all developments have been positive. AstraZeneca faced setbacks when its Imfinzi and Lynparza combination failed to meet survival goals in ovarian cancer, underscoring the challenges inherent in oncology drug development and the stringent benchmarks set by regulatory authorities like the FDA.The industry is also witnessing significant advancements in next-generation ADCs, as evidenced by Tubulis' 59% response rate in early clinical trials, which has attracted substantial investor interest. Additionally, Grail's Galleri cancer blood test is progressing towards FDA review with enhanced performance data, potentially revolutionizing cancer screening and early detection practices.These scientific and regulatory milestones are complemented by strategic investments in bioconjugation technologies. Cohance Life Sciences' $10 million investment in NJ Bio to enhance GMP bioconjugation capabilities exemplifies this trend. Such investments are crucial for advancing ADC development, which remains a focal point for innovative cancer therapies.Overall, these developments reflect a dynamic phase for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors characterized by signSupport the show
Merck breaks ground on a $3 billion facility in Elkton expected to create 500 jobs... A Harrisonburg food pantry expands its offerings... Opposition to Rockingham County school board member Matt Cross intensifies....
We discussed a few things including:1. Their career journeys2. Merck's venture strategy and GHIF story3. MSD Idea Studios4. CVC landscape and trends5. Outlook for pharma and innovationBill has led MSD Global Health Innovation (GHI) since 2010, playing a strong role in the US company's transition a decade ago from general consumer pharmaceuticals to a focus on biopharmaceuticals and oncology.With 45 portfolio companies and about 80% having commercial agreements with MSD, His approach of always seeking to understand and solve the parent company's core challenges has proven successful.Last year, the fund expanded beyond the US, launching two accelerator programms, one in Berlin covering central Europe and one in Singapore covering 10 Asian countries. The accelerators will also invest at an earlier stage than the growth stage-focused core GHI fund has typically done.Both in the US and abroad, GHI is focused on four key areas of pharma services: drug discovery, clinical development, supply chain and patient access.In drug discovery, Bill is particularly excited about AI and machine learning allowing drugs to be identified faster. The fund has invested in about 12 companies applying AI to biology, chemistry and vaccines in the past two years, with a belief that these technologies are on the cusp of a breakthrough.Clinical development is another critical focus, especially in patient diversity and trial management.The unit is also exploring supply chain innovations, with systems tracking raw materials coming in and finished goods going out, much like a “control tower at an airport”.A veteran of the venture capital sector, Bill maintains that corporate venture capital is becoming increasingly sophisticated. He believes corporate venture capital has now established itself as “part of the ecosystem of investing” and offers unique value that traditional investors cannot.----Joel is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in venture investments and strategic innovation within the healthcare sector. With a career spanning over two decades, he has held pivotal roles at renowned organizations like Merck, J&J, and JPMorgan, focusing on biotech, corp dev and health equity. He excels in bridging the gap between life sciences and digital health technology. He is a recognized advocate for diversity and inclusion, emphasizing health equity in his professional endeavors. #podcast #afewthingspodcast
AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by technical services veterinarians from Merck Animal Health, Dr. Jacque Fusilier and Dr. Dave Sjeklocha to discuss bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in beef cattle. BRD has long been a challenge in the cattle industry but today, we are taking a fresh look. From shifting market dynamics to evolving herd management practices, we explore what is driving BRD today and what steps we need to take to stay ahead. This episode of Have You Herd? is sponsored by Merck Animal Health as part of their sponsorship package for the opening reception at the 2025 AABP Conference in Omaha, Neb. Merck is also the sponsor of the Merck Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award which is the AABP Foundation's scholarship program providing nine students scholarships of $10,000 each. Market influences can impact producers' willingness to provide interventions to manage disease risk. Merck Animal Health partners with Superior Livestock Auction to evaluate the economic impact of providing preconditioning programs for calves including the VAC45 and PrimeVAC programs. The data from 2024 indicates that this preconditioning program added $8.46/cwt compared to non-preconditioned calves. We also discuss beef-on-dairy crosses and labor challenges in our industry that can impact disease risk. Good animal handling, management and ensuring adequate colostrum delivery and vaccination can decrease BRD risk. Our guests discuss evaluating the risk of arrival calves by calculating shrink, backtags, other tags and evaluating manure consistency. Sjeklocha has a goal of less than 6% shrink. Technological advancements have also played a role in disease monitoring and improving calf health while optimizing labor resources. Veterinarians can play a key role in monitoring disease, providing goals, evaluating records, and training producers and caregivers how to manage stress and improve handling and management of calves. For more information on the products available for BRD prevention, control and treatment, visit https://MAHCattle.com.
During Episode 30 of Biotalk, Geoff Meyerson, CEO of Locust Walk, unpacks our 2025 Q3 Report: Global Trends in Biopharma Transactions Report, covering capital markets, strategic deals, and regional trends. Market Overview: Q3 signaled a cautious biotech recovery. Valuations rebounded, the XBI topped 100 for the first time since 2022, and the number of companies trading below cash hit multi-year lows. Investor sentiment shifted from survival to selective growth amid improving macro stability and risk tolerance. Strategic Transactions: Licensing held steady with renewed interest in early-stage programs and back-loaded structures (upfronts
Ignacio Vacchiano, responsable de distribución en España de Leverage Shares, repasa Wall Street con vistazo a Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Tripadvisor y Boeing.
Good bye Alaska, hallo Budapest: Wer geglaubt hat, dass Trump das Interesse am Ukraine-Krieg verloren habe, sieht sich eines Besseren belehrt. Aber was kann ein neuer Gipfel bringen?
En Capital Intereconomía hemos seguido en tiempo real la apertura del Ibex 35 y del resto de bolsas europeas, en una jornada marcada por el fracaso de la OPA de BBVA sobre Banco Sabadell, que ha centrado la atención de los inversores. Durante el programa hemos escuchado en directo la comparecencia de Carlos Torres, CEO de BBVA, quien ha valorado los resultados de la oferta a los accionistas de Sabadell. Torres ha reconocido que la entidad no ha alcanzado el umbral mínimo del 30%, lo que implica el fracaso formal de la operación, aunque ha insistido en que el proyecto “tenía sentido industrial y financiero” y que el banco “mantiene intacta su estrategia de crecimiento y creación de valor”. En el análisis de mercados, Juan Enrique Cadiñanos, Head of Europe en Naga, ha repasado la reacción bursátil tras el desenlace de la OPA, con subidas destacadas en ambos bancos impulsadas por la especulación sobre un posible nuevo intento futuro o una mejora en la valoración del Sabadell. Cadiñanos también ha analizado el comportamiento de Volvo, tras presentar resultados por encima de expectativas; el rally del sector lujo, impulsado por EssilorLuxottica; y el avance de las farmacéuticas europeas, que reaccionan positivamente al acuerdo de Trump con Merck en materia de precios y suministro. El programa ha concluido con el consultorio de bolsa, en el que Javier Alfayate, gestor de fondos, ha respondido a las dudas de los oyentes sobre valores bancarios, tecnológicas europeas y metales preciosos, destacando las oportunidades que aún ofrece el mercado pese a la incertidumbre política y los vaivenes de resultados.
Antonio Aspas, socio de Buy & Hold Gestión de Activos, repasa lo más destacad en Europa: EssilorLuxottica, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Continental, TUI.
Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo sits down with Celeste Warren, a diversity and inclusion consultant with nearly 40 years of experience and former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Merck. Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in the modern workplace — equity.Celeste explains why equity isn't about preferential treatment but about removing systemic barriers that prevent fair access to opportunity. Through powerful stories and practical examples, she and Erica explore how equity strengthens leadership, improves business outcomes, and helps organizations reach their full potential.
Dr. Monty Pal and Dr. Fumiko Chino discuss several of the top abstracts presented at the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, including research on federally funded clinical trials and financial reimbursement for trial participation. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Monty Pal: Hello, and welcome to the ASCO Daily News Podcast. I am your host, Dr. Monty Pal. I am a medical oncologist, professor, and vice chair of academic affairs at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Today, we are highlighting key abstracts that were presented at the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium. I am delighted to be joined today by the chair of this year's meeting, Dr. Fumiko Chino. Dr. Chino is an associate professor in radiation oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center with a research focus on access, affordability, and equity. She is also a consultant editor of JCO Oncology Practice and the host of the Put into Practice podcast. I have got to listen to that. Dr. Chino, welcome, and thanks so much for being on the podcast today. Dr. Fumiko Chino: I am overjoyed to be here, and absolutely, you should take a listen. Dr. Monty Pal: Definitely. And FYI for listeners, our full disclosures are all available in the transcript of this episode, so do have a look if you are inclined. Now, we have really seen some fantastic advances in health services and quality and supportive care, digital health, and beyond. There are some great abstracts that were presented at this year's meeting. I have actually picked a couple that I am particularly interested in and that I believe you share my interest in as well. So, the first is an abstract actually from my friends at SWOG (Abstract 94). So, this was a terrific abstract from Joe Unger and Michael LeBlanc and Dawn Hershman. And this, I think, really hits on a very, very key issue right now, which is the benefit of federally funded trials. Do you mind just kind of spelling out some of the observations from what I think is a really brilliant piece of work? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely, and I think Dr. Unger's work is really important for our current funding environment. I think that this research is really essential to do to show the role of federal sponsorship in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Because what they did was really look at a landscape analysis over the last 20 years looking at funding and were able to show quite clearly that federal funding really matters for advancing the science in cancer care. So what they showed was that the federal funding was more commonly essential for early-stage clinical trials, so those phase 1, phase 2 trials that really help advance the science. And that federal funding was really essential for multimodality drug combinations, combinations with drug and surgery, combinations with drug and radiation. Those trials were much more likely to be federal funded. And then the last thing is that they showed that the patients that are, I think, the largest at risk for gaps in care who really need the advancements in science that keep U.S. health care amazing and wonderful and world-leading, so the kids, the pediatric patients, the patients with rare cancers, and the patients actually that could benefit from de-escalation or right-sizing of treatment, they were also all more likely to have federal funding. So I think this research that was presented really shows that if, unfortunately, current status of restricted federal funding continues, that we are going to lose out in terms of the next generation of cancer cures, cancer de-escalations, and the type of combination treatments that make advancements in science. Dr. Monty Pal: Indeed. You know, I always point to Joe Unger's paper, and I think it is in JAMA Oncology, right, that showed life-years gained from NCI trials. It is such an important piece of work. I think this is a really nice complement to that, isn't it, to show the specific areas that otherwise would be, am I right in saying, kind of largely untouched? Dr. Fumiko Chino: I think you are right in that what we know from what industry will sponsor versus what the federal government will sponsor, that the federal government really helps make up the gap to really make those advancements that save lives, that lead to more birthdays, that advance our knowledge and our capacity for providing more cures and more successful futures for our patients. I always like pointing to the de-escalation research, which is, and this is not to dig pharma, but no pharmaceutical company is going to run a trial that says you can give less of their drug, right? It just does not make sense for the business end of the science. And so, thinking about how to right-size treatments, how to do more with less, that really is the purview of the federal government. Dr. Monty Pal: Absolutely. Absolutely. I am going to shift gears here and bring up another abstract that I found to be quite intriguing, and this relates to reimbursement of expenses, et cetera, for clinical trials. This is an abstract from Courtney Williams and team. It brings to mind the importance, I think, of recognizing the hardships that patients take on by clinical trials, but I also would love for you to comment on that sort of fine line between reimbursement for expenses and then, you know, sort of undue enticement. It is a challenging balance there. But give me your reflections on this abstract. Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. You are speaking about Dr. Williams' Abstract 93 from the Alabama group, and Alabama actually has this incredible group of health services researchers which is, are doing really important work in this space. What this trial shows is that, you know, it is a small pilot study, it is 30-something patients that received some support primarily for their travel and additional expenses related to their clinical trial participation for breast cancer. It showed that the money helps, and I think what we all know is that it is expensive to participate in clinical trials. It requires additional visits. It often requires some significant travel burden for our patients, and I do not feel that money reimbursement for clinical trial expenses is an inducement. Nobody participates in a clinical trial to get the money for their gas, right? We know that our patients are making some pretty significant sacrifices in order to participate in clinical trials, and what this type of program does is just actually reimburse them for their outlaying of funds. And I loved this trial because the patients were actually given $1,000 a month for the first 4 months of their trial participation, and what the study showed is that the patients were using it for things like travel-related food, for things like transportation, caregiver expenses, or even some of their out-of-pocket medical expenses like cost sharing or prescriptions. And that they said that overall, the reimbursement really made a difference in terms of their capacity for staying on the clinical trial. Because we know our clinical trials really are not able to enroll the full diversity of patients that often have a disease, and that the patients that are at biggest risk for a health care disparity or a gap in care are also the least likely to enroll in a clinical trial. Programs like this are an essential part of showing how financial toxicity can be overcome with pretty straightforward assistance to patients to help reimburse them for the things that they are already taking out of their pocket, for parking costs, for that $10 soup that they buy at the cancer center, for those additional expenses that we are, unfortunately, putting on them. Dr. Monty Pal: Very well said. And you know, I have started to dabble in clinical trials looking at CAR T-cell therapies for kidney cancer, and I have to tell you, it is just insane the amount of cost that a patient would have to take on to comply with the stipulations for some of these novel therapies. We require that they stay within 30 minutes of the facility for 28 days, and unless we are compensating for some of that, I mean, how can one afford a hotel stay that is that long? I mean, it is just, it is unprecedented, and it would certainly provide a huge barrier to many patients who would otherwise enroll. Really well said. I also wanted to bring up another financially driven topic, and treating renal cell, again, I would say the vast majority, 90% plus of my patients in clinic are on oral drug therapies. And I cannot tell you how often a patient will show up in my practice and say, "Doc, I have got 15 days out of this 30-day prescription left. What do I do with it?" You know, or some come with pill bottles from a deceased loved one. And it is so frustrating to say, "Take it to the pharmacy and they will just get rid of it for you." But sounds like there is an abstract from Dr. Mackler, Abstract 102, that seems to address this topic quite well. Am I right? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. This presentation, I was the most excited about seeing because this group, which helps run a cancer drug repository, theirs is called YesRx, presented their data from the last approximately two years of running this repository, and they were able to show incredible benefit for their patients in Michigan. And it is a really straightforward program. It is run by pharmacists. It has support from the legislation in Michigan. And what they were able to show is that they repurposed medications that would otherwise have been discarded. They delivered them directly to the oncologist, which then actually dispersed them to the patients. They helped 1,000 patients in less than two years. They saved them millions of dollars, over $15 million presented in the abstract. And it is just a win-win-win because I know that patients actually, and sometimes patient caregivers, they feel very sad to have spent a lot of money out of pocket for their medication, and then if they have a dose reduction or, obviously, you know, if the surviving spouse then has to get rid of their medication, just dispose of them, it is very disheartening. And this is a way of kind of reclaiming power for patients. So they were able to accept donations from all over the state of Michigan and then also help over 1,000 patients. And so, it is a phenomenal program. Dr. Monty Pal: Just wild when I came across the dollar amounts, right, that they were saving. It just, it seems like a place that, you know, we just have to look, as cancer centers, right, and really take this on. Just brilliant. On that same theme of cost savings and so forth, you know, I think there has been a lot of focus on what recent policies have done in the context of us having access to therapies and so forth. And one of the topics that has come up is the Inflation Reduction Act and how changes pertaining to the IRA have really played a role in one's ability to take on some of these expensive prescriptions. And I believe John Lin and colleagues tackled that issue in Abstract 97. Could you comment on that, Fumiko? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. Dr. Lin is one of my colleagues here at MD Anderson, so I know him very well, and he has been doing really phenomenal work over the last several years with looking at drug affordability and access. And what his analysis shows is that for patients, after the Inflation Reduction Act's cap on out-of-pocket expenses, is that it really did show that out-of-pocket expenses decreased. So what the Inflation Reduction Act did is that it eliminated the 5% co-insurance and placed this $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses. And what that led to for these patients that were not able to have the low-income subsidy is that there were lower costs, and that there was a lower rate of drug abandonment, meaning that the prescription was not refilled. There was also a lower rate of unfilled prescriptions as well. And I think that it shows that health policy really can improve access to care. I think the flip side of the fact that the IRA, this policy, really did seem to help people is that what his research showed is that actually, even with the benefits of this cap, is that actually it is still really high in terms of the rate of people who are not able to fill their prescriptions or that completely abandon them over time. And that unfortunately, even with this change, that over half of people without the low-income subsidy were potentially not getting the full benefit of their medications because they were not able to afford them. And so I think it really kind of highlights that we still need to do more work about making drugs affordable. Dr. Monty Pal: Indeed, indeed. And I mean, in a setting like this, I mean, I think it is important to recognize that $2,000 is a lot, it is a big chunk of change, right, for a lot of families in the U.S. What do you think of the prospect of, like, decreasing that cap? Is that something that from a policy standpoint you would be supportive of? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Well, so something that is a real option for patients on Medicare is there is something called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, and what it allows you to do is actually prorate the $2,000 over the whole year. And so instead of having to pay $2,000 as soon as you fill your prescription, because you are going to have, if you have an expensive medication, it is essentially you have to pay the $2,000 in January, right? It allows you to prorate it, so essentially $170 a month, and that comes to you as like a regular bill. And I think that as rolled out as part of the IRA is a really lovely way of thinking about how do we make these payments more stable over time, so it is not a huge hit sort of at the beginning of the year. And I think that alone actually can make a difference in terms of trying to help make sure that people can actually get their medications. Dr. Monty Pal: That is an excellent tip. Excellent tip. We are going to shift gears entirely. We have been talking a lot about the dollars and cents of things and talk about an abstract from Sophia Smith and colleagues. So this is Abstract 550 at your meeting. And this hinged on a program of sorts to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. We do not often think about PTSD in the vernacular for oncology patients, but indeed, I mean, it is something that they must face, especially in the context of long-term survivorship. Can you talk a little bit about Dr. Smith's abstract? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. I love this work from Dr. Smith, who is at Duke. She worked with Dr. Applebaum, who was my old colleague at Memorial Sloan Kettering. And this group of researchers really is trying to figure out how to best support people into survivorship so that they can actually thrive. And their patient population for this work was actually people who received stem cell transplant, and they focused on people who had PTSD symptoms. And what they were able to show through this SMART design, which is essentially this serial, multiple randomized trial, so everyone got randomized upfront to either usual care or this app, so this digital app that actually helped coach people through cancer distress. And then for the people who were non-responders, they were then additionally randomized to either the app plus coaching or a therapist versus the cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. And what they were able to show is that, number one, anyone who had the app seemed like they did better than those who did not start the path with the app. But then the additional help of either the therapist or the coach or the CBT made additional benefit over time. And so, I think this shows a really nice stepped care, which is you can potentially have some right-sizing of treatments cost saving, if we sort of give everyone the app, which is, I think, overall pretty low cost. And that for the people who do not get the full benefit from the app, then you can think about these maybe more tailored approaches, the therapist, the coach, the CBT, but that some people actually just respond to the app. And I think it allows us to, again, right-size the care for our patients. And I think it is really innovative to think about how technology can help improve access to care in the setting of something like PTSD. Dr. Monty Pal: Brilliant summary. Brilliant summary. Gosh, it looks like such an exciting meeting this year. Congratulations on a terrific program for the ASCO Quality Care Symposium. I know you played a huge role in developing it, and thanks for sharing your insights on the ASCO Daily News Podcast. Dr. Fumiko Chino: No, I really appreciate you having me. ASCO Quality is my favorite meeting of the year. You know, it is really a phenomenal meeting, and I am so excited for next year in Boston in 2026. Dr. Monty Pal: Awesome. And thanks to our listeners too. You are going to find links to all the abstracts that we discussed today in the transcript of this episode. Finally, if you value the insights that you heard today on the ASCO Daily News Podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. More on today's speakers: Dr. Sumanta (Monty) Pal @montypal Dr. Fumiko Chino @fumikochino Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on Twitter ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Monty Pal: Speakers' Bureau: MJH Life Sciences, IntrisiQ, Peerview Research Funding (Inst.): Exelixis, Merck, Osel, Genentech, Crispr Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, ArsenalBio, Xencor, Miyarsian Pharmaceutical Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Crispr Therapeutics, Ipsen, Exelixis Dr. Fumiko Chino: Consulting or Advisory Role: Institute for Value Based Medicine Research Funding: Merck
AI is now a standing item at most strategic tables—shapinghow leaders think about markets, talent, and the future of work. But while investment and experimentation are rising fast, most organizations are still in the early chapters of integration. Beneath the strategy, there's a quieter conversation about fear, trust, and what remains uniquely human. In this episode, we sit down with Peter Mulford, Chief AI Officer at BTS, to debate whether AI can ever truly replace emotional intelligence. Together, we explore how we currently think about AI, the edges of what it can do, and what remains uniquely human (for now). Guest Bio: Peter Mulford is the Chief AI Officer and the Global head of the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Practice (AI&I) for BTS Inc. In this role he helps clients get real impact by working with teams and organizations to transform their business using innovation, future back thinking, Artificial Intelligence, and digital technology. He has over 30 years of experience working with clients around the world in different industries, including Sony Interactive Entertainment, Warner Media, Microsoft, AT&T, Saudi Telecom, Lenovo, Samsung, Telkom South Africa, Merck, Coca-Cola, Toyota, Macys, and others. A sought-out keynote speaker, he has facilitated keynotes at technology and innovation conferences, company offsites, and sales conferences, as well as a private 2-day event with the late Pope Francis and 20 media executives and artists at the Vatican City. Peter joined BTS in 1998 and has worked in its offices in San Francisco, Johannesburg, Tokyo, London and New York. From 2005-2010, he was the Managing Director of BTS's East Coast region, leading the largest global office for BTS through a period of market turbulence and growth during which it more than tripled in size. Prior to BTS he worked for a start-up firm in Tokyo, Japan. He has extensive experience in Retail, Consumer Goods, Electronics and Telecom, among many other industries. Peter holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, and a Master's in international Affairs with a focus on Asia Pacific Studies from Columbia University. He speaks Japanese.
In this episode of, "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," we open up an important conversation about sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Melissa is joined by her friend Deltra, a mom of five living with triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, and Dr. Laila Agrawal, a board-certified medical oncologist dedicated to putting sexual health at the forefront of cancer care. Many carry these concerns silently, but intimacy is an important part of quality-of-life care. Together, they share personal stories, explore why this topic is often overlooked, and offer practical tips for starting the conversation with your doctor, asking the right questions, and advocating for the support and resources that you deserve. Special thanks to Lilly, Merck, and Novartis for supporting the Cancer Fashionista Foundation and making this episode possible.
Schon ihr Vater, ihr Onkel und ihr Großvater saßen in der obersten Führungsetage deutscher Großkonzerne. Doch Helene von Roeder (55) machte erst einmal einen Umweg und studierte Astrophysik, um die Welt zu verstehen. Darauf hat sie einen Karriere aufgebaut, die sie bis in den Sessel der Finanzvorständin beim Chemieriesen Merck brachte. Sie erzählt, warum für sie die Herkunft aus einer Unternehmerfamilie weder Fluch noch Segen ist, plädiert für mehr Eigenverantwortung beim Thema Karriere, eine bessere Fehlerkultur in Familie und Unternehmen, und für ein neues, positives Verständnis von Arbeit als entscheidendem Teil des Lebens. + Link: Helene von Roeder im Unternehmen: https://www.merckgroup.com/de/company/management/executive-board/von-roeder-helene.html +Helene von Roeder auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-von-roeder/+++ 5-Minuten-Talk – wir haben ja nicht ewig Zeit - Podcast | RTL+ +++"Die Boss" ist ein Podcast von RTL+.Gastgeberin: Simone Menne.Redaktion: Verena Carl, Kirsten Frintrop, Isa von Heyl, Sarah Klößer und Sarah Stendel.Mitarbeit: Schirin Wolski.Projektmanagement RTL+ & Schnitt: Kirsten Frintrop.Postproduktion & Sounddesign: Aleksandra Zebisch.+++ Unsere allgemeinen Datenschutzrichtlinien finden Sie unter https://datenschutz.ad-alliance.de/podcast.html +++ Wir verarbeiten im Zusammenhang mit dem Angebot unserer Podcasts Daten. Wenn Sie der automatischen Übermittlung der Daten widersprechen wollen, klicken Sie hier: https://datenschutz.ad-alliance.de/podcast.html+++ https://www.rtl.de/cms/service/footer-navigation/impressum.html ++++++ Hinweis zur Werbeplatzierung von Meta: https://backend.ad-alliance.de/fileadmin/Transparency_Notice/Meta_DMAJ_TTPA_Transparency_Notice_-_A… +++Unsere allgemeinen Datenschutzrichtlinien finden Sie unter https://art19.com/privacy. Die Datenschutzrichtlinien für Kalifornien sind unter https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info abrufbar.
Ahead of ESMO 2025 in Germany, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani and Dr. Chris Wallis to discuss what the oncology community can expect to see at this year's Congress. From groundbreaking bladder cancer therapies to the newest approaches in prostate and kidney cancer, this episode explores various abstracts and presentations set to be shared in Berlin. The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practising clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.caThis podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Novartis, Bayer, Astellas, Tolmar, Ipsen, J&J, Merck, Pfizer, Eisai and AbbVie.
Dr. Hope Rugo and Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano discuss recent developments in the field of bispecific antibodies for hematologic and solid tumors, including strategies to optimize the design and delivery of the immunotherapy. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Hope Rugo: Hello and welcome to By the Book, a podcast series from ASCO that features engaging conversations between editors and authors of the ASCO Educational Book. I am your host, Dr. Hope Rugo. I am the director of the Women's Cancers Program and division chief of breast medical oncology at the City of Hope Cancer Center. I am also the editor-in-chief of the Educational Book. Bispecific antibodies represent an innovative and advanced therapeutic platform in hematologic and solid tumors. And today, I am delighted to be joined by Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano to discuss the current landscape of bispecific antibodies and their potential to reshape the future of precision oncology. Dr. Curigliano was the last author of an ASCO Educational Book piece for 2025 titled, "Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic and Solid Tumors: Current Landscape and Therapeutic Advances." Dr. Curigliano is a breast medical oncologist and the director of the Early Drug Development Division and chair of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. He is also a full professor of medical oncology at the University of Milan. You can find our disclosures in the transcript of this episode. Dr. Curigliano, Giuseppe, welcome and thanks for being here. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: Thanks a lot for the invitation. Dr. Hope Rugo: Giuseppe, I would like to first ask you to provide some context for our listeners on how these novel therapeutics work. And then perhaps you could tell us about recent developments in the field of bispecific antibodies for oncology. We are at a time when antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are all the rage and, trying to improve on the targeting of specific antigens, proteins, receptors in the field of oncology is certainly a hot and emerging topic. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: So, thanks a lot. I believe really it was very challenging to try to summarize all the bispecific antibodies that are under development in multiple solid tumors. So, the first thing that I would like to highlight is the context and the mechanism of action of bispecific antibodies. Bispecific antibodies represent a groundbreaking advancement in cancer immunotherapy, because these engineered molecules have the unique ability to target and simultaneously bind to two distinct antigens. That is why we call them bispecific. So typically, one antigen is expressed on the tumor cell and the other one is expressed on the immune effectors, like T-cell or natural killer cells. So this dual targeting mechanism offers several key advantages over conventional monoclonal antibodies because you can target at the same time the tumor antigen, downregulating the pathway of proliferation, and you can activate the immune system. So the primary mechanism through which bispecific antibodies exert their therapeutic effects are: First, T-cell redirecting. I mean, many bispecific antibodies are designed to engage tumor-associated antigens like epidermal growth factor receptor, HER2, on the cancer cell and a costimulatory molecule on the surface of T-cell. A typical target antigen on T-cell is CD3. So what does it mean? That you activate the immune system, immune cells will reach the tumor bed, and you have a dual effect. One is downregulating cell proliferation, the other one is activation of the immune system. This is really important in hematological malignancies, where we have a lot of bispecifics already approved, like acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The second, in fact, is the engagement of the tumor microenvironment. So, if you engage immune effector cells like NK cells or macrophages, usually the bispecific antibodies can exploit the immune system's ability to recognize and kill the immune cells, even if there is a lack of optimal antigen presentation. And finally, the last mechanism of action, this may have a role in the future, maybe in the early cancer setting, is overcoming immune evasion. So bispecific antibodies can overcome some of the immune evasion mechanisms that we see in cancer. For example, bispecific antibodies can target immune checkpoint receptors, like PD-L1 and CTLA-4. Actually, there is a bispecific under development in breast cancer that has a dual targeting on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and on PD-L1. So you have a dual effect at the same time. So, what is really important, as a comment, is we need to focus first on the optimal format of the bispecific, the optimal half-life, the stability, because of course even if they are very efficient in inducing a response, they may give also a lot of toxicities. So in clinical trials already, we have several bispecifics approved. In solid tumors, very few, specifically amivantamab for non-small cell lung cancer, but we have a pipeline of almost 40 to 50 bispecifics under development in multiple solid tumors, and some of them are in the context of prospective randomized trials. Dr. Hope Rugo: So this is really a fascinating area and it's really exciting to see the expansion of the different targets for bispecific antibodies. One area that has intrigued me also is that some of the bispecifics actually will target different parts of the same receptor or the same protein, but presumably those will be used as a different strategy. It's interesting because we have seen that, for example, in targeting HER2. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: Oh, yes, of course. You may consider some bispecifics like margetuximab, I suppose, in which you can target specifically two different epitopes of the same antigen. This is really an example of how a bispecific can potentially be more active and downregulating, let us say, a pathway, by targeting two different domains of a specific target antigen. This is an important point. Of course, not all the bispecifics work this way, because some of the target antigen may dimerize, and so you have a family of target antigen; an example is epidermal growth factor receptor, in which you have HER1, HER2, HER3, and HER4. So some of them can inhibit the dimerization between one target antigen and the other one, in order to exert a more antiproliferative effect. But to be honest, the new generation of them are more targeting two different antigens, one on the tumor and one on the microenvironment, because according to the clinical data, this is a more efficient way to reduce proliferation and to activate the immune system. Dr. Hope Rugo: Really interesting, and I think it brings us to the next topic, which is really where bispecific antibodies have already shown success, and that is in hematologic malignancies where we have seen very interesting efficacy and these are being used in the clinic already. But the expansion of bispecific antibodies into solid tumors faces some key challenges. It's interesting because the challenges come in different shapes and forms. Tell us about some of those challenges and strategies to optimize bispecific antibody design, delivery, patient selection, and how we are going to use these agents in the right kind of clinical trials. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: This is really an excellent question because despite bispecific antibodies having shown a remarkable efficacy in hematological malignancies, their application in solid tumors may have some challenges. The first one is tumor heterogeneity. In hematological malignancy, you have a clear oncogene addiction. Let us say that 90% of the cells may express the same antigen. In solid tumors, it is not the same. Tumor heterogeneity is a typical characteristic of solid tumors, and you have high heterogeneity at the genetic, molecular, and phenotypic levels. So tumor cells can differ significantly from one another, even if within the same tumor. And this heterogeneity sometimes makes it difficult to identify a single target antigen that is universally expressed in an hematological malignancy. So furthermore, sometimes the antigen expressed on a tumor cell can be also present on the normal tissue. And so you may have a cross-targeting. So let's say, if you have a bispecific against epidermal growth factor receptor, this will target the tumor but will target also the skin with a lot of toxicity. The second challenge is the tumor microenvironment. The solid tumor microenvironment is really complex and often immunosuppressive. It is characterized by the presence of immunosuppressor cells like the T regulators, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and of course the extracellular matrix. All these factors hinder immune cell infiltration and also may reduce dramatically the effectiveness of bispecific antibodies. And as you know, there is also an hypoxic condition in the tumor. The other challenge is related to the poor tumor penetration. As you know also with antibody-drug conjugate, only 1 to 3% of the drug will arrive in the tumor bed. Unlike hematological malignancies where tumor cells are dispersed in the blood and easily accessible, the solid tumors have a lot of barriers, and so it means that tumor penetration can be very low. Finally, the vascularity also of the tumor can be different across solid tumors. That is why some bispecifics have a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or vascular endothelial growth factor as a target. Of course, what do we have to do to overcome these challenges? First, we have to select the optimal antigen. So knowing very well the biology of cancer and the tumor-associated antigens can really select a subgroup of epitopes that are specifically overexpressed in cancer cells. And so we need to design bispecifics according to the tumor type. Second, optimize the antibody format. So there are numerous bispecific antibody formats. We can consider the dual variable domain immunoglobulin, we specified this in our paper. The single chain variable fragments, so FC variable fragments, and the diabodies that can enhance both binding affinity and stability. And finally, the last point, combination therapies. Because bispecific antibodies targeting immune checkpoint, we have many targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 or CTLA-4, combined eventually with other immune checkpoint inhibitors. And so you may have more immunostimulating effect. Dr. Hope Rugo: This is a fascinating field and it is certainly going to go far in the treatment of solid tumors. You know, I think there is some competition with what we have now for antibody-drug conjugates. Do you see that bispecifics will eventually become bispecific ADCs? Are we going to combine these bispecific antibodies with ADCs, with chemotherapy? What is the best combination strategy do you think looking forward? Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: So, yes, we have a bispecific ADC. We have actually some bispecifics that are conjugated with a payload of chemotherapy. Some others are conjugated with immunoactivation agents like IL-2. One of the most effective strategies for enhancing bispecific activity is the combination therapy. So which type of combination can we do? First, bispecific antibodies plus checkpoint inhibitors. If you combine a bispecific with an immune checkpoint, like anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4, you have more activity because you have activation of T-cells, reduction of immunosuppressive effect, and of course, the capability of this bispecific to potentiate the activity of the immune checkpoint inhibitor. So, in my opinion, in a non-small cell lung cancer with an expression of PD-L1 more than 50%, if you give pembrolizumab plus a bispecific targeting PD-L1, you can really improve both response rate and median progression-free survival. Another combination is chemotherapy plus bispecific antibodies. Combining chemotherapy with bispecific can enhance the cytotoxic effect because chemotherapy induces immunogenic cell death, and then you boost with a bispecific in order to activate the immune system. Bispecific and CAR T-cells, until now, we believe that these are in competition, but this is not correct. Because CAR T-cells are designed to deliver an activation of the immune system with the same lymphocytes engineered of the patients, with a long-term effect. So I really do not believe that bispecifics are in competition with CAR T-cells because when you have a complete remission induced by CAR T-cell, the effect of this complete remission can last for years. The activity of a bispecific is a little bit different. So there are some studies actually combining CAR T-cells with bispecifics. For example, bispecific antibodies can direct CAR T-cells in the tumor microenvironment, improving their specificity and enhancing their therapeutic effect. And finally, monoclonal antibody plus bispecific is another next generation activity. Because if you use bispecific antibodies in combination with existing monoclonal antibodies like anti-HER2, you can potentially increase the immune response and enhance tumor cell targeting. In hematological malignancies, this has been already demonstrated and this approach has been particularly effective. Dr. Hope Rugo: That's just so fascinating, the whole idea that we have these monoclonal antibodies and now we are going to add them to bispecifics that we could maybe attach on different toxins to try and improve this, or even give them with different approaches. I suppose giving an ADC with a bispecific would sort of be similar to that idea of giving a monoclonal antibody with the bispecific. So it is certainly intriguing. We also will need to understand the toxicity and cost overall and how we are going to use these, the duration of treatment, the assessment of biomarkers. There are just so many different aspects that still need to be explored. And then with that idea, can you look ahead five or ten years from now, and tell us how you think bispecific antibodies will shape our next generation cancer therapies, how they will be incorporated into precision oncology, and the new combinations and approaches as we move forward that will help us tailor treatment for patients both with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies? Are we going to be giving these in early-stage disease in solid tumors? So far, the studies are primarily focusing on the metastatic setting, but obviously one of the goals when we have successful treatments is to move them into the early stage setting as quickly as possible. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: Let us try to look ahead five years rather than ten years, to be more realistic. So, personally I believe some bispecifics can potentially replace current approaches in specifically T-cell selected population. As we gather more data from ongoing clinical trials and we adopt a deeper understanding of the tumor immuno microenvironment, of course we may have potentially new achievement. A few days ago, we heard that bispecifics in triple negative breast cancer targeting VEGF and PD-L1 demonstrated an improvement in median progression-free survival. So, how to improve and to impact on clinical practice both in the metastatic and in the early breast cancer setting or solid tumor setting? First, personalized antigen selection. So we need to have the ability to tailor bispecific antibody therapy to the unique tumor profile of individual patients. So the more we understand the biology of cancers, the more we will be able to better target. Second, bispecific antibodies should be combined. I can see in the future a potential trial in which you combine a bispecific anti-PD-L1 and VEGF with immune checkpoint inhibitor selected also to the level of expression of PD-L1, because integration of antibody bispecific with a range of immunotherapies, and this cannot be only immune checkpoint inhibitors, but can be CAR T-cells, oncolytic viruses, also targeted therapy, will likely be a dominant theme in the coming years. This combination will be based on the specific molecular and immuno feature of the cancer of the patient. Then we need an enhanced delivery system. This is really important because you know now we have a next generation antibody. An example are the bicyclic. So you use FC fragment that are very short, with a low molecular weight, and this short fragment can be bispecific, so can target at the same time a target antigen and improving the immune system. And so the development of this novel delivery system, including also nanoparticles or engineered viral vectors, can enhance the penetration in the tumor bed and the bioavailability of bispecific antibodies. Importantly, we need to reduce toxicity. Until now, bispecifics are very toxic. So the more we are efficient in delivering in the tumor bed, the more we will reduce the risk of toxicity. So it will be mandatory to reduce off-target effects and to minimize toxicity. And finally, the expansion in new indication. So I really believe you raised an excellent point. We need to design studies in the neoadjuvant setting in order to better understand with multiple biopsies which is the effect on the tumor microenvironment and the tumor itself, and to generate hypotheses for potential trials or in the neoadjuvant setting or in those patients with residual disease. So, in my opinion, as we refine design, optimize patient selection, and explore new combination, in the future we will have more opportunity to integrate bispecifics in the standard of care. Dr. Hope Rugo: I think it is particularly helpful to hear what we are going to be looking for as we move forward to try and improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. And the ability to engineer these new antibodies and to more specifically target the right proteins and immune effectors is going to be critical, of course, moving forward, as well as individualizing therapy based on a specific tumor biology. Hearing your insights has been great, and it really has opened up a whole area of insight into the field of bispecifics, together with your excellent contribution to the ASCO Educational Book. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and background, as well as what we might see in the future on this podcast today. Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: Thank you very much for the invitation and for this excellent interview. Dr. Hope Rugo: And thanks to our listeners for joining us today. You will find a link to the Ed Book article we discussed today in the transcript of this episode. It is also, of course, on the ASCO website, as well as on PubMed. Please join us again next month on By the Book for more insightful views on the key issues and innovations that are shaping modern oncology. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Follow today's speakers: Dr. Hope Rugo @hope.rugo Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano @curijoey Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on X (formerly Twitter) ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures: Dr. Hope Rugo: Honoraria: Mylan/Viatris, Chugai Pharma Consulting/Advisory Role: Napo Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Bristol Myer Research Funding (Inst.): OBI Pharma, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, Merck, Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, Hoffman La-Roche AG/Genentech, In., Stemline Therapeutics, Ambryx Dr. Giuseppe Curigliano: Leadership: European Society for Medical Oncology, European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists, ESMO Open, European Society for Medical Oncology Honoraria: Ellipses Pharma Consulting or Advisory Role: Roche/Genentech, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, Foundation Medicine, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Samsung, AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo, Boerigher, GSK, Seattle Genetics, Guardant Health, Veracyte, Celcuity, Hengrui Therapeutics, Menarini, Merck, Exact Sciences, Blueprint Medicines, Gilead Sciences Speakers' Bureau: Roche/Genentech, Novartis, Pfizer, Lilly, Foundation Medicine, Samsung, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Menarini, Gilead Sciences, Exact Sciences Research Funding: Merck Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Roche/Genentech, Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca
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Nancy Levine Stearns, founder of ImpactDevise, a nonprofit journalism project, discusses the corporate response to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) backlash. Stearns' project covers DEI initiatives in the private sector, and her reporting on corporate social responsibility has been cited by publications like The New York Times, NBC News, and Forbes. Stearns, a former executive recruiter, began focusing on the DEI space after the "heated" backlash following a recent election. She was initially intrigued by a story about Costco taking a public stance on DEI. This led her to discover that other companies were also standing firm on their commitments. Key Findings from Impactivize Corporate Commitment: Stearns and Impactivise track approximately 400 companies, including publicly traded, private, and large nonprofit organizations, that have made public commitments to DEI. A recent audit found that only two of these companies have completely removed their DEI statements. Stearns believes that a stated commitment is a bold and courageous decision, as it can make a company a target for anti-DEI groups. Shareholder Support: Stearns reports that in 2025, 30 anti-DEI proposals were put forth for shareholder voting at various corporations. Shareholders overwhelmingly rejected these proposals, typically by a margin of 98% to 99% of voting shares. Stearns notes that while shareholder rejection of outside proposals is common, the overwhelming margin of these votes is unusual. The Business Imperative: Stearns states that the primary reason companies are maintaining their DEI initiatives is because they recognize it as a "strategic imperative" and a "business imperative". She cites a statement from Rob Davis, the CEO of Merck, who called diversity and inclusion a strategic imperative. Stearns emphasizes that the data and metrics show that these initiatives positively impact a company's performance and bottom line. Shifting Language: Stearns acknowledges that some companies are changing the language they use to describe their initiatives, perhaps using terms like "belonging and inclusion" or "culture and engagement". However, she notes that adversarial groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, are aware of this change in terminology and still view these efforts as DEI. Consumer Influence: Stearns believes that consumers, particularly younger generations, are a powerful force in this movement. She suggests that consumers are "voting with their wallet" and supporting companies that have strong DEI commitments. This consumer support provides a "strength in numbers" for corporations, reinforcing their commitment. Stearns argues that while the media often focuses on the narrative that DEI is "dead," the data show that it is very much alive and supported by both corporations and consumers. She maintains that the business case for diversity and inclusion is a powerful and objective force, stating, "It's not political, it's not ideological, it's not personal, it's just, it's just business". Follow Nancy's research and reporting at: https://www.impactivize.org/
Dr. Monty Pal and Dr. Matteo Lambertini discuss a compelling global study on the clinical behavior of breast cancer in young BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, the association of pre-diagnostic awareness of BRCA status with prognosis, and the importance of identifying healthy people who are at risk of carrying the BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Monty Pal: Well, hello everyone, and welcome to the ASCO Daily News Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Monty Pal. I'm a medical oncologist, professor, and vice chair of medical oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Now, when we think about genetic testing, whether for patients diagnosed with breast cancer or for other family members of them, it seems to be widely underutilized. Today, we're going to be discussing a recently published study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that reported on the clinical behavior of breast cancer and specifically young BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, and the association of pre-diagnostic awareness of BRCA status with prognosis. I thought this was just a fascinating piece, and I honestly couldn't wait to have this conversation. It's a really compelling paper that highlights the importance of identifying healthy people who are at risk of carrying the BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants, and really the need for genetic counseling and testing to inform people about early detection that could lead to a better prognosis. I'm really delighted to welcome the study's lead author, Dr. Matteo Lambertini. He really needs no introduction. He's very well known in the breast cancer world for his amazing contributions to fertility in the context of breast cancer, to pregnancy in the context of breast cancer, and genetic testing. He's an associate professor at the University of Genova, and a breast cancer medical oncologist at the San Martino Polyclinic Hospital in Genova, Italy. Dr. Lambertini, thank you so much for joining us today. Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Thank you very much, Dr. Pal. It's a great pleasure. Dr. Monty Pal: Oh, thanks. And just FYI, if you're listening in and you want to hear our disclosures, they're all listed at the transcript of this podcast. So, I poured through this paper [Clinical Behavior of Breast Cancer in Young BRCA Carriers and Prediagnostic Awareness of Germline BRCA Status] yesterday, Dr. Lambertini, and first of all, congratulations on this study. This was a huge international multicenter effort, 4,752 patients. How did you pool all these patients with young breast cancer? Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Thanks a lot for the question. Yes, this was an effort made by several centers all over the world. The main idea behind the creation of this network that we have named as BRCA BCY Collaboration, was to get as many data as possible in a sort of niche patient population in the breast cancer field, meaning women diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 years or younger, and all of them being BRCA carriers. We know that around, in the Western world, around 5% of breast cancer cases are being diagnosed under the age of 40 years, and among them around 10-15% are BRCA carriers. So, I would say it's a relatively rare patient population where we did not have a lot of evidence to support our choices in terms of counseling on treatment, prevention, and oncofertility as well. That was the idea behind the creation of this network that includes many centers. Dr. Monty Pal: Yeah. You know, what's so interesting about this is that you sort of draw this line between patients who have BRCA testing at the time of diagnosis and then BRCA testing earlier in their course and then leading to a diagnosis perhaps. And I think that's where really sort of the dichotomy in outcome sits. Can you maybe elaborate on this and tell us about timing of genetic testing in this study and what that meant ultimately in terms of prognosis? Dr. Matteo Lambertini: In this specific analysis from this large network, including almost 5,000 women with breast cancer diagnosed at the age of 40 years or younger and being a BRCA carrier, we looked specifically into the timing of genetic testing because this is a retrospective study and the criteria for inclusion are those that I have just mentioned, so diagnosis at a young age plus carrying germline BRCA pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. In this analysis, we have looked into the time the patient has got the genetic testing and particular we focused on two populations: those that were diagnosed, knowing already to be a BRCA carrier, and those that got tested after being diagnosed with breast cancer. And the main findings from this analysis have been that knowing to be a BRCA carrier was associated with a lower stage at the time of diagnosis, meaning more T1 tumors, so a tumor less than 2 cm, more node-negative disease, and this translated into less aggressive treatment, so less often axillary dissection, less often use of chemotherapy and anthracycline-based chemotherapy. And even more importantly, we have seen a better overall survival for those patients that were diagnosed already knowing to be BRCA carriers as compared to those tested after breast cancer diagnosis. These results after adjusting for all the confounding, stage, treatment and so on, there was not significant anymore, meaning that it's not the timing of test per se that is probably leading to a better survival, but it is the fact that knowing to be a BRCA carrier would likely translate into having access to all the preventive measures that we have in this setting and this will translate into an overall survival benefit, so in terms of saving more lives in young BRCA carriers. Dr. Monty Pal: I think it's such an important point, and it's one that I think might sound implicit, right, but it needs to be proven, I think, through a study like this. You know, the fact that finding this early, identifying the mutation, doing enhanced screening, and so forth, is really going to lead to superior clinical outcomes. One of the things that I think many people puzzle over, including myself, is what to do? I personally occasionally will see BRCA altered patients in the context of prostate cancer. But that's a very different population of individuals, right? Typically older men. In young females with BRCA mutation, I guess there's a specific set of considerations around reproductive health. You'd already highlighted preventive strategies, but what sorts of things should we be talking about in the clinics once a patient's diagnosed and once perhaps their breast cancer diagnosis is established? Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Yes, exactly. Knowing to be a BRCA carrier has a lot of implications from prevention to treatment to survivorship issues including reproductive counseling. And this is important not only for the patient that has been diagnosed with breast cancer but also for all the family members that will get tested and maybe identify with this sort of genetic alteration before diagnosis of cancer. Why this is important is because we have access to very effective preventive measures, a few examples: MRI screening, which starts at a very young age and normally young women don't have an effective screening strategy outside the BRCA field. Also, primary preventive measures, for example, risk-reducing surgery. These women are known to have a high risk of breast cancer and high risk of ovarian cancer. So the guidelines are suggesting to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at a young age, so 35 to 40 years in BRCA1 carrier, 40 to 45 years in BRCA2 carrier. And also risk-reducing mastectomy should be discussed because it is a very effective way to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. And in some situations, including the setting that we are talking about, so young women with breast cancer, BRCA carrier, also risk-reducing mastectomy has shown to improve overall survival. On the other side, once diagnosed with breast cancer, nowadays knowing to be or not a BRCA carrier can make a difference in terms of treatment. We have PARP inhibitors in the early setting, in the adjuvant setting as well as in the metastatic setting. And in terms of survivorship implication, one of the critical aspects for young women is the oncofertility care which is even more complicated when we talk about BRCA carriers that are women candidates for gynecological surgery at a very young age. So this sort of counseling is even more complicated. Dr. Monty Pal: One of the other things, and this is subtle in your paper and I hope you don't mind me bringing it up, is the difference between BRCA1 and BRCA2. It really got me thinking about that because there are differences in phenotype and manifestation. Do you mind just expanding on that a little bit for the audience because I think that's a really important reminder that you brought up in the discussion? Dr. Matteo Lambertini: The difference between BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers has been known that there are different phenotypes of breast cancer that are more often diagnosed in these two different populations. Normally BRCA1 carriers have a higher likelihood to develop a triple negative breast cancer as compared to BRCA2 carriers, more likely to develop a hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative disease. In this study, again, a specific population of young women with breast cancer, we have seen the same findings, mostly triple negative disease in BRCA1 carrier, mostly luminal-like disease in BRCA2 carrier. But what's novel or interesting from this study is to look also at the age at the time of diagnosis of this disease. And particularly in BRCA1 carriers, we should be sort of more careful about diagnosis of breast cancer and also other primary tumors including ovarian cancer because the risk of developing these malignancies is higher even at a younger age as compared to BRCA2 carriers. And this has implications also in the primary and secondary prevention that we were talking about earlier. Dr. Monty Pal: Oh, interesting. I guess the fundamental question then from your paper becomes, how do we get at the right patients for screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2? And I realize our audience here is largely oncologists who are going to be listening to this podcast, oncology providers, MDs, nurses, etc. But maybe speak for a moment to the general practitioner. Are there things that, for instance, a general practitioner should be looking for to say, “Wait a minute, this patient's high risk, we should consider BRCA1, BRCA2 testing or germline screening”? Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Yes, it's a very important question for the breast cancer community. After the updated ASCO guideline, the counseling is way easier because right now the age cutoff goes up to 65 years, meaning that all the patients diagnosed with breast cancer below the age of 65 years should be tested these days. And then above the age of 65, there are different criteria like triple-negative disease or family history. From a general practitioner standpoint, it's of course a bit more difficult, but knowing particularly the family history of the person that they have in front will be crucial to know if there are cases of breast cancer diagnosed at a young age, maybe triple-negative cases, knowing cases of ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives or pancreatic cancer in first-degree relatives, and of course cases of prostate cancer as well. So, I would say probably mostly the family side will be important from a general practitioner perspective. From an oncology one, the other point that I think is important to stress also based on the data that we have shown in this publication is that having a case of breast cancer known to carry a BRCA pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. It means that all the people around this case should get tested and if found to be BRCA carrier and healthy carrier, these people should also undergo the primary and secondary prevention strategies because this is very critical also to improve their outcomes and try to avoid the developing of breast or ovarian cancer, but also in the case of diagnosis of this disease, a diagnosis at an earlier stage, as we have seen in this paper. Dr. Monty Pal: Brilliant. I'm going to diverge from our list of questions here and close by asking a question that I have at the top of my mind. You're very young. I know our podcast listeners can't see you, but you're very, very young. Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Thank you. Thank you for that. Not so young but yeah. Dr. Monty Pal: You have nearly 300 papers. Your H-index is 67. You've already made these seminal contributions, as I outlined it from the outset, regarding fertility, regarding use of GnRH analogs, regarding pregnancy and breast cancer. What are you studying now? What are you really excited about right now that you're doing that you think might potentially be practice changing? Give us a little teaser. Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Yeah. Thanks a lot, Dr. Pal. Receiving this compliment from you is fantastic. So, thanks a lot for that. From my side, in terms of my research, I've been interested in the field of breast cancer in young women since the start of my training. I've had very good mentors from Italy, from Europe, from the U.S. I'm still interested in this field, so I think we still have a lot to learn to try to improve the care of young women with breast cancer. For example, the oncofertility care, which is something I worked a lot over the past years. Now with all the new treatment options, there's a sort of new chapter of oncofertility counseling. So, what's the impact of immunotherapy? What's the impact of the new targeted agents? More on the genetic aspects, now we know that there's not only BRCA1 or BRCA2. There are a lot of other different genes that may increase the risk of breast cancer and other malignancies. And also for these genes, we really don't have a lot of evidence to counsel women on prognosis, treatment, prevention strategy. So we need to learn way more for this special patient population that are quite rare, and so we really need a multicenter academic effort to try to give some evidence in this field. Dr. Monty Pal: Yeah. It's tough because these are rare circumstances, but, you know, I think that you've done really well to sort of define some collective experiences that I think really define therapy. I mean, I just remember when I was in training 25 years ago, just reading through textbooks where all the experience around breast cancer and pregnancy was really just very sort of anecdotal almost, you know? And so it's great to see that the state of the science has moved forward. Well, gosh, I really enjoyed our conversation today. I think your study really reminds us how powerful genetic information is in terms of improving outcomes. And, you know, hopefully this will lead some individuals to perhaps test more broadly in appropriate settings. So, thank you so much, Matteo, for joining us today with your fantastic insights on the ASCO Daily News Podcast. Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Thank you very much, Dr. Pal. It's a real pleasure. Dr. Monty Pal: And thanks to our listeners too. You'll find a link to Dr. Lambertini's study in the transcript of this episode. Finally, if you value the insights that you heard today on the ASCO Daily News Podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks a ton. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Find out more about today's speakers: Dr. Sumanta (Monty) Pal @montypal Dr. Matteo Lambertini @matteolambe Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on Twitter ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures: Dr. Monty Pal: Speakers' Bureau: MJH Life Sciences, IntrisiQ, Peerview Research Funding (Inst.): Exelixis, Merck, Osel, Genentech, Crispr Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, ArsenalBio, Xencor, Miyarsian Pharmaceutical Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Crispr Therapeutics, Ipsen, Exelixis Dr. Matteo Lambertini: Consulting or Advisory Role: Roche, Novartis, Lilly, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, MSD, Exact Sciences, Gilead Sciences, Seagen, Menarini, Nordic Pharma Speakers' Bureau: Takeda, Roche, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Ipsen, Knight Therapeutics, Libbs, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead Sciences, AstraZeneca, Menarini, AstraZeneca, Menarini Research Funding (Inst.): Gilead Sciences Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Gilead Sciences, Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, Roche
This episode captures Walid Mehanna's perspective on how Merck KGaA has approached enterprise AI adoption through a federated strategy that prioritizes people over technology. The core message is that successful AI implementation requires building organizational capability across three dimensions - people, processes, and technology - rather than seeking a single transformative solution. Walid argues that companies must establish a broad foundation of AI literacy (exemplified by their internal MyGPT tool reaching 25,000 users) before pursuing specialized applications, while maintaining human accountability to prevent complacency. He emphasizes that AI works best when it's treated as an experimental, iterative capability distributed across the organization rather than controlled centrally, with success depending on persistence through the inevitable J-curve of initial productivity drops. The conversation reveals how a large multinational navigates the practical realities of AI deployment - from managing regulatory complexity across different geographies to making pragmatic build-versus-buy decisions - while maintaining focus on the fundamental principle that AI should augment human expertise rather than replace human judgment and responsibility. (0:00) Intro(0:29) How AI is Used at Merck(2:18) AI Applications Across the Value Chain(4:31) Challenges and Risks of AI Implementation(5:35) Federated Approach to AI Prioritization(6:44) Future AI Use Cases and Data Challenges(10:38) Building and Partnering for AI Solutions(15:11) AI in Drug Discovery and R&D(26:47) Quickfire Out-Of-Pocket: https://www.outofpocket.health/
The FDA has approved the injectable version of Merck's cancer therapy Keytruda. Merck CEO Robert Davis discusses the pricing of this drug and others with CNBC's Angelica Peebles, Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Davis also stands firm on the safety of vaccines and weighs in on the Trump administration's agenda for health care. Jimmy Kimmel has returned to ABC's airwaves. Puck's Matt Belloni discusses the host's temporary suspension, Kimmel's response, and the contractual obligations of Disney's affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair. Plus, the U.S. has barred Iran's diplomats from shopping at wholesale stores like Costco without permission. Matt Belloni - 15:12Robert Davis - 28:47 In this episodeMatt Belloni, @mattbelloniJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.